
Gold Flame Tetra
Pickup currently unavailable at Napier
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Gold Flame Tetra is a selectively bred colour variant of the Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), prized for its warm golden-orange body tones and subtle metallic sheen. While retaining the peaceful nature and compact size of the standard Flame Tetra, the gold variety offers a softer, lighter appearance that stands out beautifully in planted community aquariums.
Gold Flame Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups to display their best colour, behaviour, and confidence. Their calm temperament and small size make them an excellent choice for peaceful freshwater setups.
Physical Characteristics
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Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 cm (1.2–1.5 inches)
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Coloration: Golden-yellow to light orange body with translucent fins; colour intensity improves with good care
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Body Shape: Compact, slightly deep-bodied tetra profile
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Sexual Dimorphism:
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Males are slimmer and often show stronger colour
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Females are slightly larger and rounder
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Behaviour & Temperament
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Tank Level: Mid-water
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Schooling Behaviour: Must be kept in groups of 6 or more
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Activity Level: Moderately active
Suitable Tank Mates
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Other peaceful tetras
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Rasboras
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Corydoras catfish
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Small peaceful gouramis
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Catfish
Avoid:
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Aggressive or highly territorial fish
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Fin-nipping species
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Large predatory fish
Breeding Information
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
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Breeding Setup:
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Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
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Soft, slightly acidic water improves success
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Parental Care: None
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Notes: Adults may eat eggs; removal is required for breeding attempts
Special Considerations
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Gold coloration intensifies with stable water quality and a varied diet
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Sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters
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Best displayed in planted aquariums with darker substrates
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Can appear shy if kept in small numbers
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 45–60 litres
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Water Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH Range: 5.5–7.5
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Water Hardness: 2–10 dGH
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Decor: Live plants, driftwood, shaded areas
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Filtration: Moderate, well-maintained
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Lighting: Moderate; plants help diffuse brightness
Diet & Feeding
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Diet Type: Omnivore
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Recommended Foods:
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Frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp
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Occasional live foods for conditioning
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in small portions
Pet City aims to provide up to date product information including ingredients, size and colour specifications, packaging and product features, as provided to us by the product manufacturer. As product details change from time to time, this information is intended as a guide only and some delay may occur in the updating of our listing. Product images are indicative of the appearance and the product delivered may vary slightly from the product image show. When precise information is important, we recommend that you read the label on the products you purchase or contact the manufacturer of the product.


