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Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Prionobrama filigera
Also known as Glass Bloodfin
Animalia›Chordata›Characiformes›Characidae
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a small, translucent freshwater fish with distinctive red coloring in the fins and tail, making it an attractive addition to community aquariums. This peaceful schooling fish is relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists. They are best kept in groups and thrive in well-planted tanks with gentle water flow.
Where it's from
Native to the Amazon and Parana river basins
Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru
At a glance
- Size
- 1.6 in
- 4 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed high-quality micro pellets and small flake foods twice daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms 2-3 times per week to enhance coloration and overall health.
Behavior
Glass Bloodfin Tetras are active, schooling fish that spend most of their time in the middle water column. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent community fish. They exhibit natural schooling behavior and should never be kept alone, as they become stressed and may hide constantly.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition the breeding pair with live foods, then transfer to soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) with dim lighting. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and fry become free-swimming after 3-4 days.
Tank mates
See all 5Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent schooling companions
Comparable size and water requirements; peaceful community fish
Similar schooling behavior and peaceful nature; compatible water parameters
Peaceful mid-water dweller; requires similar water conditions
Small, peaceful algae eater; compatible with schooling tetras
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Neon Tetra Disease, Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy
Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or administer ich medication following package directions
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin shortening
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, loss of appetite, erratic swimming
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain excellent water quality, euthanize severely affected individuals
Bacterial Infection
Redness on body or fins, swelling, open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate severely infected fish, maintain optimal temperature and parameters
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.6 in4 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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