Tank Requirements
10-gallon minimum for a school of 8-10. 20 gallons gives a stunning swirling school.
Soft to medium water (pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-12). Temperature 73-82°F (very flexible).
Heavy planting — embers are timid and need cover to feel safe.
Schooling Behavior
Embers school tightly when stressed and loosen when comfortable. A school of 10+ swims as a unit, weaving through plants.
Smaller groups (under 6) lose schooling instinct, hide constantly, and lose color. Always buy at least 8.
- ✦Add a darker substrate — embers contrast and pop visually.
- ✦Floating plants enhance security.
Diet
Tiny mouths need micro foods. Crushed flake, tiny pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia.
Color enhanced by live and frozen foods — bloodworm crumbs, daphnia, mysis.
Tank Mates
Other peaceful nano fish: chili rasboras, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus, neocaridina shrimp (large adults safe).
Avoid: anything big enough to eat them (even angelfish or gouramis).
Breeding
Egg scatterers — eggs land in moss or fine-leaved plants. Parents eat eggs immediately.
For breeding success: pair in a separate breeding tank with java moss, remove parents after spawning. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours; fry need infusoria for first food.