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About the Bleeding Blue Tetra

The Bleeding Blue Tetra is a rare and highly sought-after South American tetra, admired for its brilliant iridescent blue body and distinctive crimson-red "bleeding heart" patch behind the gill cover. Native to the Rio Negro Basin in Brazil, this peaceful schooling fish is an exceptional choice for planted aquariums and blackwater biotope displays.

As the fish matures, its metallic blue scales shimmer under aquarium lighting, creating a striking contrast against the vivid red shoulder marking. Their elegant appearance and calm temperament make them an ideal centrepiece within schools of other peaceful tetras and South American community fish.

Bleeding Blue Tetras thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter, subdued lighting, and open swimming areas. They should always be kept in groups of at least six, although schools of ten or more encourage stronger colours and more natural behaviour. A varied diet of premium micro pellets, tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other live or frozen foods will maximise their colouration and overall health.

Peaceful, elegant, and uncommon, the Bleeding Blue Tetra is an outstanding addition to any planted or blackwater freshwater aquarium.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hyphessobrycon margitae

Common Name

Bleeding Blue Tetra

Origin

Rio Negro Basin, Brazil

Adult Size

4–5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

5.5–7.0

Water Hardness

1–10 dGH

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, blackwater aquariums, and peaceful community tanks

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bleeding Blue Tetras should I keep?

Bleeding Blue Tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of ten or more produce the best colouration and natural behaviour.

Are Bleeding Blue Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis, and other non-aggressive species.

What do Bleeding Blue Tetras eat?

They thrive on quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Bleeding Blue Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are generally safe with adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Why are my Bleeding Blue Tetras losing colour?

Stress, poor water quality, bright lighting, or an inadequate diet can reduce their brilliant blue and red colouration. Keeping them in a planted aquarium with subdued lighting and excellent water quality helps maintain their best colours.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Bleeding Blue Tetras become shy and stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.

Brightly lit aquariums with little cover

Dense planting, driftwood, and floating plants help these fish feel secure and display richer colours.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant fish.

Feeding only dry foods

A varied diet that includes frozen and live foods enhances colour, health, and breeding condition.

Keeping them with aggressive fish

Choose peaceful tank mates that won't harass these small schooling fish.