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.