Von Rio / Flame Tetra

**Zander** · 09-16-2012, 11:26 PM

From the pictures and descriptions I've seen online about Flame Tetras, they are supposed to have two vertical stripes (very much like those on the Black Skirt Tetras), then with a red tail.

Yet the ones I see at Petsmart look like this:
(no vertical stripes, and a lot more orange/yellow)

My question: are these the same fish?

**Azurescriber** · 09-16-2012, 11:33 PM

I dunno, but I've only seen the ones with stripes at Petsmart. I'd like the answer too. :)

**steeler1** · 09-17-2012, 01:24 AM

The first fish is what a flame/von rio is supposed to look like the second fish is still a von rio but is a hybred like "Diamond Head Neons". I believe they sell these as "Orange Flame Tetras". There is also an yellow version that i have not seen yet.

**hydra01** · 09-17-2012, 04:09 PM

selective breeding. Look at the tiger barbs that have been developed with no stripes. Same thing. They're still the same species, and behave the same.

**Zander** · 09-18-2012, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by steeler1

The first fish is what a flame/von rio is supposed to look like the second fish is still a von rio but is a hybred like "Diamond Head Neons". I believe they sell these as "Orange Flame Tetras". There is also an yellow version that i have not seen yet.

You are correct. I just checked again today and they are labeled as "Orange Von Rio Tetras". Didn't realize there was a difference.

I wonder where I can get the true Flame Tetras. I think they would look really cool in my 90 gallon with Black Skirts.

**steeler1** · 09-18-2012, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by Zander

You are correct. I just checked again today and they are labeled as "Orange Von Rio Tetras". Didn't realize there was a difference.

I wonder where I can get the true Flame Tetras. I think they would look really cool in my 90 gallon with Black Skirts.

They are pretty common, most LFS stores should be able to get them for you. Alot of dealers don't carry them because in thier bare tanks the fish don't show thier true colors. Put in a tank with plants, and a dark substate, thier red coloration comes out and coupled with thier charming behavior makes them a very desirable little fish.

If you can't get your LFS to get them in, try the wet spot tropical fish. Shipping is a little pricey but the quality of thier fish is worth it. Buy at least a dozen wherever you find them.

**Zander** · 09-18-2012, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by steeler1

They are pretty common, most LFS stores should be able to get them for you. Alot of dealers don't carry them because in thier bare tanks the fish don't show thier true colors. Put in a tank with plants, and a dark substate, thier red coloration comes out and coupled with thier charming behavior makes them a very desirable little fish.

If you can't get your LFS to get them in, try the wet spot tropical fish. Shipping is a little pricey but the quality of thier fish is worth it. Buy at least a dozen wherever you find them.

I appreciate the suggestion but I only live maybe 50 miles from the store itself. No need to pay for shipping.

**steeler1** · 09-18-2012, 06:14 AM

Here is a happy group shot

**steeler1** · 09-18-2012, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Zander

I appreciate the suggestion but I only live maybe 50 miles from the store itself. No need to pay for shipping.

So you live in the Portland area? That is so cool, I live in the middle of Caliornia and have almost zero choices, so when I discovered The wet spot, it was a dream come true.