The Flame Tetra originates from the Rio de Janeiro area of Brazil.  The coloring in pinkish/red and silver, with pink/red predominating in the back half.  Two dark vertical bars are apparent behind the gill covers.  The fins are edged in black.  A planted tank with floating plant cover, hiding places and open swimming space is preferred.   They are a typical schooling tetra and should be kept in groups of at least 6.  They eat flake foods, freeze dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.  Color is enhanced by a quality diet, soft water, breeding activity and lack of stress.

Soft, slightly acidic water is best for breeding and lighting should be greatly dimmed.  Tetras have adhesive eggs, so fine leaved plants should be used to catch the eggs.  The parents should be removed after spawning.  The fry will hatch within a couple of days and will survive several days on their yolk sac.  The fry should be fed brine shrimp and then finely ground flake foods.

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