Flame tetra

Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Two shoulder bars and red concentrated towards the rear

A deep-bodied small tetra with a silvery front and a red rear. Two vertical shoulder marks are useful visual clues, although their intensity varies.

Adult length: Up to 2.6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 1–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits shallow, slow, shaded creeks with clear or dark-brown water, often over sand among vegetation.

Use a mature aquarium and avoid accumulating organic waste. Keep routine maintenance consistent.

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Appearance and identification

The serpae tetra usually shows one conspicuous shoulder patch, whereas the flame tetra has two vertical marks. Males can be more colourful with dark tips on the pelvic and anal fins. Use several features together. Mature males have small bony hooks on the anal and pelvic fins that females lack.