What size tank do flame tetras need?
At least 14 gallons (54 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 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 flammeus.
How many flame tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if flame tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many flame tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 19 |
| 29 gallon | up to 27 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 38 |
| 55 gallon | up to 52 |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check flame tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, flame tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for flame 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.
- Croaking gourami
- Salt and pepper corydoras
- Honey gourami
- Otocinclus
- Peacock gudgeon
- Thick-lipped gourami
- Glowlight danio
- Bandit corydoras
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat flame tetra (about 1.2 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as flame tetra.
- Molly: They need different water: Flame tetra likes a pH of 5.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do flame tetras need?
At least 14 gallons (54 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many flame tetras should be kept together?
At least 6. Flame tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. A group of 8 or more is better if the tank has room.
Can flame tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Flame tetra needs at least 14 gallons (54 liters).
What temperature do flame tetras need?
68–79 °F (20–26 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can flame tetras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 14 gallons (54 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Ramshorn snail
- Assassin snail
- African dwarf frog
- Penguin tetra
- Red-eye tetra
- Head-and-tail-light tetra
- All 150 species
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.