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About the Bleeding Heart Tetra
The Bleeding Heart Tetra is one of the most elegant and distinctive South American tetras, instantly recognised by the vivid crimson "bleeding heart" spot located behind its gills. Native to the upper Amazon River Basin in Peru and Colombia, this peaceful schooling fish is prized for its graceful swimming, shimmering silver body, and flowing black-and-white fins.
Unlike many smaller tetras, the Bleeding Heart Tetra has a deeper body and develops beautiful extended dorsal and anal fins as it matures, particularly in males. Their calm temperament makes them ideal for peaceful community aquariums where they can be kept alongside Angelfish, Corydoras, Rainbowfish, Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids, and other non-aggressive species.
They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting, and open swimming areas. Keeping them in schools of at least six encourages natural behaviour, improves confidence, and results in a much more impressive display. A varied diet of premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live foods will maximise their colouration and overall health.
Graceful, peaceful, and beautifully marked, the Bleeding Heart Tetra is an outstanding addition to any planted or South American community aquarium.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Common Name
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Origin
Upper Amazon Basin (Peru and Colombia)
Adult Size
6–7 cm
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size
90 Litres
Temperature
24–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Water Hardness
2–12 dGH
Difficulty
Beginner
Lifespan
5–7 Years
Suitable For
Planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bleeding Heart Tetras should I keep?
Bleeding Heart Tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of eight or more encourage natural behaviour and create a stunning display.
Are Bleeding Heart Tetras peaceful?
Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for other calm tropical fish.
What do Bleeding Heart Tetras eat?
They readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other live or frozen foods.
Can Bleeding Heart Tetras live with Angelfish?
Yes. Their peaceful temperament and larger size make them one of the best tetra species to keep with freshwater Angelfish.
Why is my Bleeding Heart Tetra losing colour?
Stress, poor water quality, inadequate nutrition, or being kept in small groups can reduce colour intensity. Excellent water quality and a varied diet will help maintain vibrant colours.
Common Mistakes
Keeping them in small groups
Bleeding Heart Tetras are schooling fish and become shy or stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.
Bright aquariums with little cover
Driftwood, floating plants, and dense vegetation help them feel secure and display their best colours.
Poor water quality
Stable water parameters and regular water changes are essential for healthy, vibrant fish.
Feeding only dry food
A varied diet including frozen and live foods helps maximise colouration and overall health.
Keeping them with aggressive fish
Choose peaceful community species that won't harass or outcompete these graceful tetras.
