Gold Flame Tetra
Gold Flame Tetra(Hyphessobrycon flammeus) is a selectively developed color strain in which the dark markings are absent or greatly reduced, allowing warm golden-amber body coloration to dominate. The red fin coloration is typically retained. One of the oldest tetras in the aquarium hobby — first imported from the Rio de Janeiro region in 1920 and formally described by ichthyologist George S. Myers in 1924. Tragically,H. flammeusis now considered endangered in the wild — its native coastal forest habitat around Rio de Janeiro has been almost entirely destroyed by development. No wild fish have been exported for decades, but the species survives entirely through aquarium breeding worldwide. Buying Flame Tetras actively supports the survival of a species that now exists primarily in home aquariums.
Feeding & Care Tip:Sera Vipan Tropical FlakesandHikari Micro Pelletsmake excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week withHikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms,Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, orHikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to coastal rivers of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states — one of the most industrialized parts of Brazil. Its native rivers flow through urban and agricultural land, and the species has not been confirmed in the wild since the 1970s. All aquarium stock worldwide is captive-bred.
An important behavioral note: Flame Tetras kept in small numbers can become surprisingly aggressive toward tankmates. Keep at least 10 together — in proper groups they direct social behavior inward and are peaceful community fish. Males have a black border on the anal fin and black ventral fin tips; females are slightly deeper-bodied.
Over 100 years in the hobby without a single wild-caught import in decades — surviving purely through the dedication of aquarists worldwide. This endangered species persists entirely because of the aquarium hobby.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful in groups of 10+ — aggressive in small numbers |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–10 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil (captive-bred — endangered in wild since 1970s) |
| Notes | Gold strain — dark humeral bars absent. Golden-amber body. Same care as Flame Tetra. Endangered in wild. |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.