Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Bleeding Heart Tetra is found throughout many stagnant areas of river systems, particularly the upper Amazon basin that borders Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. A relatively hardy fish once acclimated to the proper environment, Bleeding heart tetras are a beige-pinkish color with a vibrant red dot on their side. Males will be slightly more colorful with more pronounced and elongated dorsal and anal fins compared to females. Less mature specimens, or ones that are not as comfortable in their environment, will appear more dull in color. Not to be confused with Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus) that lack the characteristic red dot. These tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. An adult Bleeding heart tetra can reach a size of approximately 2.5″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Bleeding heart tetra are omnivores. Offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 10 to 15 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Bleeding heart tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal. While this species may be offered as a “new aquarium” fish, Bleeding heart tetra do best when added into a biologically stable aquarium. Bleeding heart tetra do not like deteriorating water parameters; weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of Bleeding heart tetra happy, but a finer dark substrate, plants (live preferred), driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this fish. Bleeding heart tetra would also benefit from some floating plants to dim the lighting. Given their peaceful temperament, Bleeding heart tetra thrive best in an environment with like tank mates including other species of tetra. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 4.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
