Bleeding Heart tetra

Common name Bleeding Heart tetra Picture of Bleeding Heart Tetras
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Synonyms Hemigrammus erythrostigma (not valid)

Size 3" (7.5cm)

Origin South America: Amazon River basin

Tank setup Planted tank with some open swimming space.

Compatibility Peaceful community fish, keep with peaceful tankmates.

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Soft and acidic preferred, i.e. 'blackwater' conditions.

Feeding Omnivorous: Flake, granular foods, small live or frozen foods.

Sexing Females are larger and have a smaller, rounded dorsal fin. Males have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin.

Breeding Egg scatterer, the eggs should hatch in about 30 hours and the fry should be free-swimming in about 5-6 days. This species is considered difficult to spawn, and there are few cases of aquarium breeding.

Comments An attractive pinky-coloured tetra named for the bright red spot on its body. It should mix well with other larger tetras such as the Black Widow tetra, which will make an interesting colour contrast.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Bleeding Heart tetra	Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Synonyms	Hemigrammus erythrostigma (not valid)
Size	3" (7.5cm)
Origin	South America: Amazon River basin
Tank setup	Planted tank with some open swimming space.
Compatibility	Peaceful community fish, keep with peaceful tankmates.
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Soft and acidic preferred, i.e. 'blackwater' conditions.
Feeding	Omnivorous: Flake, granular foods, small live or frozen foods.
Sexing	Females are larger and have a smaller, rounded dorsal fin. Males have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin.
Breeding	Egg scatterer, the eggs should hatch in about 30 hours and the fry should be free-swimming in about 5-6 days. This species is considered difficult to spawn, and there are few cases of aquarium breeding.
Comments	An attractive pinky-coloured tetra named for the bright red spot on its body. It should mix well with other larger tetras such as the Black Widow tetra, which will make an interesting colour contrast.