Why is my Bleeding Heart Tetra losing its colour?

Colour loss is usually a sign of stress. This can be caused by poor water quality, incorrect pH, lack of hiding spaces, bright lighting, or being kept in too small a group. Ensure water parameters are stable and provide plenty of cover.

Can I keep Bleeding Heart Tetras with Angelfish?

Yes, provided the tetras are fully grown. Adult Bleeding Heart Tetras are deep-bodied and too large for most Angelfish to swallow. However, you should monitor the tank, as Angelfish can occasionally nip at the long dorsal fins of male tetras.

How can I tell the males and females apart?

Adult males are easily distinguished by their spectacularly elongated, sweeping dorsal fins and a longer, more colourful anal fin. Females are generally plumper and have much shorter, rounded fins.

How many Bleeding Heart Tetras should I keep together?

They are a shoaling species and must be kept in groups. A minimum of six is strictly required, though a group of eight to twelve or more will result in a more spectacular display and significantly bolder behaviour.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Bleeding Heart Tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

A striking, deep-bodied tetra renowned for the distinctive ruby-red spot on its flanks, bringing elegance and activity to softwater aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.2
Hardness: 1 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 7 cm
100 Litres: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivorous
Water flow: low to moderate
Preferred setup: Heavily planted or biotope setup with driftwood, leaf litter, and subdued lighting

About the Bleeding Heart Tetra

The Bleeding Heart Tetra is a classic and highly sought-after species in the aquarium trade. Much deeper-bodied than typical torpedo-shaped tetras, they possess a robust, diamond-like silhouette. Their most famous feature is the vivid, blood-red spot located centrally on their flanks. Adult males are particularly spectacular, developing a magnificent, elongated dorsal fin that arcs gracefully over their back.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Bleeding Heart Tetra against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Bleeding Heart Tetra comes from

Native range

Upper Amazon Basin

Countries / regions

Colombia, Peru, Brazil

Habitat

Slow-moving forest streams, tributaries, and flooded forest floors stained with tannins.

Primarily found in the upper reaches of the Amazon River in the triple-border region of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

Similar species

Socolof's Tetra
Hyphessobrycon socolofi
Perez Tetra
Hyphessobrycon perezii
Rosy Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish that thrive in similar soft, acidic water conditions without competing for mid-water swimming space.
Great
Apistogramma
Apistogramma spp.
Dwarf cichlids that share the same Amazonian habitat requirements and generally ignore mid-water schooling fish.
Great
Rummy-nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Another peaceful South American tetra that appreciates blackwater environments, providing lovely contrast.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Adult Bleeding Heart Tetras are usually too deep-bodied to be eaten, but Angelfish may occasionally nip the trailing dorsal fins of the males.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Known fin-nippers that will relentlessly harass the male Bleeding Heart Tetras for their spectacular, sweeping dorsal fins.
Not recommended

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