Bleeding heart tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma · Characidae
Also known as Bleeding heart
Intermediate
A deep-bodied tetra with a red heart-shaped spot; needs a larger shoal than most.
In short: A bleeding heart tetra needs at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and pH 5.5–7.2. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 8 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.2
- Adult size
- 7 cm (2.8 in)
- Group size
- 8+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.2
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–6 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, frozen bloodworm.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Upper Amazon basin
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Shaded blackwater tributaries
- Natural conditions
- Soft acidic water with leaf litter and dim light.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 8 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasAngelfishApistogramma
- Avoid
- Very small tanksAggressive barbs
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males have a sickle-shaped dorsal fin.
- Notes
- Rarely bred; needs very soft water.
- Common ailments
- IchBacterial infectionNipping in small groups
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