What size tank do ember tetras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon amandae.
How many ember tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if ember tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many ember tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 14 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 28 |
| 29 gallon | up to 41 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 57 |
| 55 gallon | 60 or more |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check ember tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 8. Alone or in twos and threes, ember tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for ember tetras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Guppy
- Sparkling gourami
- Honey gourami
- Threadfin rainbowfish
- Pygmy corydoras
- Clown killifish
- Endler's livebearer
- Marbled hatchetfish
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat ember tetra (about 0.8 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as ember tetra.
- Molly: Molly (about 4 in) can eat ember tetra (about 0.8 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank do ember tetras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many ember tetras should be kept together?
At least 8. Ember tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can ember tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 14 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do ember tetras need?
73–84 °F (23–29 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can ember tetras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.