Glass Bloodfin Tetra

About the Glass Bloodfin Tetra

The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a striking South American schooling fish, admired for its almost transparent silver body and vivid blood-red fins. Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, this active tetra brings constant movement and flashes of colour to planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

Unlike many other tetras, the Glass Bloodfin has a slender, translucent body that appears almost glass-like under aquarium lighting, allowing its bright red fins and metallic blue-green sheen to stand out beautifully. Their energetic schooling behaviour makes them a fantastic display fish, particularly when kept in larger groups.

Glass Bloodfin Tetras thrive in well-planted aquariums with driftwood, open swimming space, and gentle water flow. They are peaceful and mix well with other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, rainbowfish, dwarf cichlids, gouramis, and other community fish. A varied diet of premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live foods will maximise their colour and overall health.

Hardy, active, and easy to care for, the Glass Bloodfin Tetra is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Prionobrama filigera

Common Name

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Origin

Amazon and Orinoco River Basins, South America

Adult Size

5–6 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

23–28°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Community aquariums and planted tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Glass Bloodfin Tetras should I keep?

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six, although groups of ten or more display the best schooling behaviour.

Are Glass Bloodfin Tetras aggressive?

No. They are peaceful community fish that coexist well with other small tropical species.

What do Glass Bloodfin Tetras eat?

They readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Glass Bloodfin Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Why are my Glass Bloodfin Tetras losing colour?

Poor water quality, stress, inadequate nutrition, or keeping too few fish can reduce their colour intensity. Stable water conditions and a varied diet will help maintain their vibrant appearance.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are schooling fish and become stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.

Overcrowding the aquarium

Provide plenty of open swimming space so the school can move naturally.

Poor water quality

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

Feeding only one type of food

A varied diet improves colouration, immune health, and breeding condition.

Keeping them with aggressive fish

Choose peaceful tank mates that won't intimidate or outcompete these active schooling fish.