Often called the Lesser Bleeding Heart Tetra, this species of Tetra has a similar appearance, and is sometimes confused with, the Bleeding Heart Tetra. Spotfin Tetras have an overall light gray or silver coloration and some specimens have red coloring at the base of the caudal and dorsal fins. The red spot for which these fish are named is located behind the gills on either side of the body. Spotfin Tetras are native to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil where they tend to inhabit acidic, tannin-stained blackwaters. These fish can be found in forested areas as well as slow-moving tributaries off the main channel.