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Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characiformes›Characidae
📍 Paraná River, Argentina
Hardy schooling tetra with a silver body and brilliant blood-red fins. One of the most cold-tolerant tetras — thrives down to 18°C. Peaceful and active; a great community fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Bloodfin tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based supplements supports digestive health.
Behavior
Bloodfin tetras are active, peaceful schooling fish that display their best coloration and behavior when kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, creating an energetic display without aggression toward tank mates. They are hardy and adaptable, making them excellent community fish even for beginners.
Breeding
Breeding bloodfin tetras in captivity is possible but requires patience and specific conditions. Provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and temperatures around 24-26°C; condition the pair with live foods beforehand. Females scatter eggs among plants; remove parents after spawning to prevent egg predation, and fry become free-swimming in 3-4 days.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements make them ideal companions
Small, peaceful algae eaters that thrive in the same cool to moderate temperature range
Peaceful invertebrates that add diversity; ensure adequate plant cover for shrimp safety
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with similar temperature tolerance and non-aggressive community behavior
Closely related tetra with matching size, temperament, and water chemistry requirements
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp tank decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration and stable parameters
Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora)
Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior
No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, and consider euthanasia if severely affected to protect the school
Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)
Whitish film on body, frayed fins, mouth deterioration, rapid gill movement
Perform large water changes, reduce tank temperature to 24°C, use antibacterial medication, and improve water quality; isolate severely affected fish
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 2 inches
- minTankSize
- 15 gallons
- temperature
- 64–81°F (18–27°C)
Temperature
64–81°F
18–27°C
Stats
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