Bleeding Heart Tetra

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Scientific Name

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Generally peaceful/Can be a fin nipper

Temperature

73-82°F

pH

5.5-7.0/0-10°dGH

Size

3"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept in shoals with 6 or more of their own species; can be kept with other Tetras, Livebearers, Rasboras, Danios, Corydoras, Gouramis and Dwarf Cichlids.

Bleeding Heart Tetra

Similar in appearance to several other species in its genus, the Bleeding Heart Tetra is named for the red marking on either side of its body. These Tetras typically have silver bodies with transparent fins. Many specimens also develop black or white patches on the dorsal fin. Bleeding Heart Tetras are native to South America where they can be found in the upper Amazon River basin in Peru, Brazil and Columbia. These fish tend to inhabit forested areas as well as slow-moving or sluggish waters off the main channel.

Tank Set-Up

In the home aquarium, these Tetras are not demanding but prefer well-maintained tanks with dim lighting. This species can also be kept in biotype tank setups with sand substrate, driftwood branches and leaf litter to stain the water yellowish brown. Bleeding Heart Tetras make excellent additions to the general community tank because they get along well with most Livebearers, Rasboras and other Tetras. These fish have a tendency to be fin nippers, however, so they should be kept in groups with at least 6 or 8 of their own species to control this behavior. Bleeding Heart Tetras do best in slightly acidic water and should not be kept in tanks with alkaline water.

Feeding

As far as feeding is concerned, Bleeding Hearts are generally unfussy and will accept most aquarium foods. However, a varied diet consisting of a quality flake or pellet, as well as live and/or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and Daphnia, will help to ensure optimum health and coloration.

Breeding

Breeding Bleeding Heart Tetras is considered to be somewhat difficult, but it can be achieved using some of the techniques used in breeding other species in the same genus. The breeding tank should be outfitted with fine-leaved plants like Java moss and the water should be kept warm, between 80 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. This species can be spawned in groups, but after conditioning, the fattest and most colorful pair should be selected for spawning.