Bleeding Heart Tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae

📍 Upper Amazon basin

Named for the vivid red spot on the chest that resembles a bleeding heart, this is one of the larger and more impressive tetras. Males develop long, flowing dorsal and anal fins and a deeper body as they mature. Despite its size, it is a peaceful community fish that looks spectacular in large schools in planted or natural-style aquariums.

Size3"

Min Tank20g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Bleeding Heart Tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods supports digestive health. Feed small amounts that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes, once daily.

Behavior

These are peaceful, active schooling fish that exhibit their best coloration and behavior in groups of 6 or more. Males display elaborate courtship behaviors with extended dorsal and anal fins, particularly when competing for female attention. They occupy the mid-water column and are generally non-aggressive toward other community fish, though they may nip at slower-moving species in smaller groups.

Breeding

Breeding Bleeding Heart Tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely occurs in community tanks. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), dense vegetation or spawning mops, and separate breeding tanks to protect eggs from predation. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro-sized prepared foods.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameter requirements; won't compete for food or space

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Similar-sized tetra with matching water requirements and peaceful schooling behavior

excellent

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful mid-water schooler with slightly different water preferences but compatible temperament

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful labyrinth fish that occupies upper water zones; ensure adequate space to prevent territorial issues

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Generally safe but larger tetras may occasionally nip at shrimp; provide dense vegetation for shelter

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise water temperature to 28-30°C gradually, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich medication for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if bacterial infection is confirmed; remove affected individuals if severely compromised

Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora hyphessobryconis)

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, white spots along lateral line

Treatment

No cure exists; isolate affected fish immediately to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, consider euthanasia for severely affected individuals

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

White or grayish film on body, frayed fins, mouth deterioration, rapid breathing

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 50% water changes, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; maintain water temperature at 25-26°C to slow progression