Flame Tetra Identification Guide
Recognize the flame tetra by its fiery red rear half and the two dark vertical bars just behind its gills.
Read the full Flame Tetra encyclopedia entry →
Key identification features
- Small, deep-bodied tetra about 1.6 inches (4 cm) long
- Front half of the body is silvery, deepening to bright flame-red toward the tail
- Two short, dark vertical bars directly behind the gill cover, a signature mark
- Red anal and pelvic fins, often edged in black
- Dorsal fin reddish with a dark tip in well-colored specimens
- Rounded, compact profile that looks noticeably shorter and stockier than many slender tetra species
Common look-alikes
- Serpae tetra: solid red body overall, lacking the paired vertical shoulder bars that flame tetras show.
- Red phantom tetra: has a single black shoulder spot with a white border rather than two vertical bars.
- Jewel tetra: similarly reddish but lacks the distinct double-bar shoulder marking and has a more rounded body.
Where you'll see one
Endemic to coastal river drainages near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this species inhabits shallow, vegetated streams and pools, often schooling near cover in slow current and dense marginal plant growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable mark for spotting a flame tetra?
Two short dark vertical bars just behind the gill cover, paired with a body that reddens toward the tail.
How do I separate it from a serpae tetra?
Serpae tetras are red over the whole body without the flame tetra's paired vertical shoulder bars.