Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Bloodfin Tetra is one of the most ubiquitous tetra in the hobby, endemic to the Parana River drainage in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Here, Bloodfin tetra can be found in streams and rivers that are shaded by overhanging or floating vegetation. Given its popularity in the hobby, all Bloodfin tetra available within the aquarium trade are commerically produced however, so wild specimens are no longer collected. The Bloodfin tetra has a shimmering silver body with all red fins (except for the pectoral fins). Less mature specimens, or ones that are not as comfortable in their environment, could appear slightly more dull. There can also be some variation in fin “redness” due to differences among commerical fishery stocks. Bloodfin tetras are natural shoaling fish, thriving and showing their best coloration with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. An adult Bloodfin tetra can reach a size of approximately 2″.
Diet Requirements: Bloodfin tetra are omnivores. 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. This tetra is one of the unfussiest when it comes to food, however. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Bloodfin tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal. A tight lid is needed as this species has been known to jump on occasion. Bloodfin tetra are an excellent beginner fish and one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of Bloodfin tetra happy, but a finer dark substrate, driftwood, plants (live are preferred) and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this tetra. Given their peaceful demeanor, Bloodfin tetra will do best in a community aquarium, and at the very least should be mixed with other peaceful and similar-sized tetra species. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 2-30, pH 6.0-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
