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Bleeding heart tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
150 L
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.5–7.2
Adult size
7 cm
Group size
8+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
150 L
Temperature
23–28 °C
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
Corydoras
Angelfish
Apistogramma
Avoid
Very small tanks
Aggressive barbs
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Advanced
Sexing
Males have a sickle-shaped dorsal fin.
Notes
Rarely bred; needs very soft water.
Common ailments
Ich
Bacterial infection
Nipping in small groups

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