Bleeding Heart Tetra

Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring soft rosy color and a distinctive focal point to your freshwater aquarium with Bleeding Heart Tetras. Their deep, silvery-pink bodies feature a bright red spot just behind the gills, giving them their memorable name. Mature males develop longer dorsal fins and make impressive displays as they spread their fins among plants. These social fish are generally peaceful, though males may briefly chase and display to one another as they establish a hierarchy.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate; best in a mature, established aquarium

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; occasional chasing and fin-nipping may occur

• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons; larger aquariums recommended for bigger groups and community stocking

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Water Hardness: Soft water preferred, approximately 2–12 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore

• Swimming Area: Middle to lower

• Recommended Quantity: At least 6; preferably 8–10 or more when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide planted edges, shaded retreats, driftwood, and generous open swimming space. Bleeding Heart Tetras do best in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions and gentle to moderate circulation. Floating cover and darker surroundings help shy fish settle in, while plants and decorations break lines of sight between displaying males. Use a secure lid and avoid abrupt changes in temperature or water chemistry.

Good companions include similarly sized peaceful tetras, suitable rasboras, and Corydoras species with compatible care requirements. Avoid aggressive fish, persistent fin-nippers that could damage the males' extended fins, and larger predators. Very small or timid fish may be outcompeted at feeding time, and dwarf shrimp or shrimplets may be eaten. Monitor slow-moving or long-finned companions for unwanted attention, and address persistent chasing or fin damage rather than assuming it is harmless display behavior.

Feeding

Feed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, supplemented with Daphnia and Bloodworms. Crush pellets or cut larger bloodworms into smaller pieces as needed for younger fish. Offer small portions across more than one feeding spot so shy or less dominant fish have a chance to eat.