Hyphessobrycon flammeus
Flame Von Rio Tetra
Flame Von Rio Tetra
Low stock: 4 left
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Remarks: The flame von rio tetra has been a popular staple in the hobby since the 1900s. These small tetras, only rarely exceeding an inch in length, pack a lot of color for their size with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges throughout their bodies and fins. Males will display these colors at a higher intensity compared to females who are usually slightly duller and have more rounded bodies. These bright colors are reminiscent of fire and are accented by 2-3 black vertical bars starting just behind the gill plate. This coloration makes them stand out beautifully against live green plants. Some have been bred to have much more intense or different coloration such as orange, albino, diamond, and golden.
Their gorgeous coloration is not the only reason that the flame von rio tetra has been in the hobby for so long. They are as easy to care for as they are eye-catching. While they do best when kept in soft water with a low pH, they have been bred in captivity for so long they have become tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. This is to the point that they are commonly bred in Florida which has naturally hard and basic water parameters. Flame von rio tetras are not only tolerant of water parameters, but of other fish as well. Typically, these tetras are very peaceful and get along with just about anything that won’t try to eat them. Their taller bodies make it where they are harder to swallow compared to species such as neon tetras so that gives a longer list of compatible species. However, it should be noted some flame von rio tetras can be a little nippy when it comes to long fins. For this reason, tankmates with long, flowing fins such as veiltail angelfish and long-finned guppies should only be kept with these tetras with caution. Being social like most tetras, they should be kept in groups of 6 or more to prevent stress and encourage natural behaviors.
Unfortunately, while the flame von rio tetra is widespread in captivity in plentiful numbers, the same can’t be said for wild populations. They were known to inhabit shallow, tannin-stained, heavily vegetated, and calm tributaries in southwestern Brazil, specifically around São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro where they were considered endemic. Unfortunately, their populations have been near decimated in the wild due to development and pollution from nearby industrialization and dam construction. Introduced invasive species have also caused the flame von rio tetras to struggle. The last confirmed sighting of these fish was of a small, fragmented population in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro state. This sighting however, is debated on whether they were truly wild fish as they bore resemblance that was more like the captive bred lines that were selectively bred for more color rather than the natural coloration. Their dwindling numbers and sparse sightings have caused the flame von rio tetra to be on the Brazilian list of threatened fish species since 2004 and it to be suspected they may be extinct in the wild. This situation is one of the many that should encourage fish keepers to try to keep at least captive populations going, do what is possible to prevent further destruction of natural habitats in South America, and to support conservation groups.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Brazil
- Breeding: Tank-raised in USA
- Max adult size: 1-2"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Peaceful
- Care skill: Beginner
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 70°F - 82°F
- pH range: 5.0 - 8.0
- GH range: 15 ppm - 250 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 | UPS Next Day Air | $69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 | UPS Next Day Air | $69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee