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Fire Ant Tetra (Hyphessobrycon myrmex)

Ignite your aquarium with the vibrant glow of the Fire Ant Tetra! This stunning dwarf tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon myrmex, is a relatively recent and highly sought-after addition to the freshwater hobby. These tiny gems bring a splash of fiery color and lively activity to planted tanks and peaceful community setups.

Striking Appearance

Fire Ant Tetras are small fish, reaching just 1–1.5 inches (around 2.5–4 cm) as adults. What sets them apart is their brilliant coloration: dominant males display an intense reddish-orange body that practically glows, especially when showing off in a well-lit, planted aquarium. Their subtle iridescent highlights and active schooling behavior make them a mesmerizing centerpiece or complementary species in nano to mid-sized tanks.

Personality & Behavior

Peaceful and energetic, Fire Ant Tetras are ideal shoaling fish. Keep them in groups of 6 or more (larger groups create an even more impressive display) to see their natural schooling behavior and boost their confidence. They are generally non-aggressive toward tankmates and do well in community aquariums with other small, peaceful fish. They tend to stay in the mid to upper water column and rarely disturb live plants.

Easy Care & Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons, though 20+ gallons is ideal for a proper school.
• Water Parameters: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 76–82°F (24–28°C). They appreciate clean, well-filtered water with moderate flow.
• Setup: A heavily planted tank with soft substrate (sand or fine gravel), some open swimming space, and gentle lighting will highlight their colors beautifully. They originate from clear waters with sandy/rocky bottoms in South America (notably regions in Brazil and the Orinoco basin).
• Diet: Omnivorous micropredators that eagerly accept high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods (like daphnia or brine shrimp), and micro pellets. Variety keeps them healthy and colorful.

Why You’ll Love Them

Whether you’re building a vibrant planted aquascape or adding movement to a community tank, Fire Ant Tetras deliver big personality in a compact package. Their rarity, ease of care, and eye-catching fiery hues make them a standout choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking for something special.

Add a colony of Fire Ant Tetras to your tank today and watch your underwater world come alive with brilliant color and constant motion!