Bleeding Heart Tetra

Also known as: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

The Bleeding Heart Tetra is named for the distinctive bright red patch on its flank, resembling a bleeding heart. The Bleeding Heart Tetra originates from Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, shaded forest streams with soft, acidic water and dense vegetation., reaches 5.0 cm in captivity, typically lives 5, and is kept at 24C (75F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, shaded forest streams with soft, acidic water and dense vegetation.
Adult size: 5.0 cm (2.0 in)
Life span: 5
Temperament: Peaceful and schooling; best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Tank size: 60 L (16 gal)
Water temp: 24C (75F)
pH range: pH 5.5-7.0
Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Other names: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

About the Bleeding Heart Tetra

The Bleeding Heart Tetra is named for the distinctive bright red patch on its flank, resembling a bleeding heart. It has a silvery body with a subtle iridescent sheen and transparent fins. This species is native to the tannin-stained waters of the Amazon tributaries, where it thrives in dimly lit, vegetated environments. In captivity, it displays active schooling behavior and is a popular choice for community tanks due to its peaceful nature and striking appearance.

Lifespan and health

With proper care, Bleeding Heart Tetras typically live 4–6 years in captivity, though some individuals may reach up to 7 years under optimal conditions. Longevity is strongly influenced by stable water parameters, a balanced diet, and low stress levels; sudden fluctuations in temperature or pH can significantly shorten lifespan. They are sensitive to poor water quality, particularly elevated ammonia and nitrite levels, which can cause gill damage and lethargy. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease), often triggered by stress or temperature drops below 22°C (72°F), and fungal infections resulting from injuries or poor water conditions. Preventative measures include quarantining new fish for 2–4 weeks, maintaining consistent water parameters, and avoiding overcrowding. Bacterial infections such as fin rot may occur if tank hygiene is neglected; treat with appropriate medications only after confirming water quality is within safe ranges. Regular observation of behavior and appearance is key to early detection and intervention.

Overview

Care and tank setup

For a group of 6 Bleeding Heart Tetras, a minimum tank size of 60 liters (16 gallons) is recommended, with a longer footprint preferred over height to accommodate their horizontal swimming patterns. Use a dark substrate and provide ample hiding places with driftwood, leaf litter (such as Indian almond leaves), and dense planting of low-light tolerant species like Java fern or Anubias. Filtration should be gentle to moderate, avoiding strong currents that can stress these fish; a sponge filter or low-flow canister filter is ideal. Maintain water temperature between 24–26°C (75–79°F) and pH between 5.5–7.0, with soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH). Perform weekly water changes of 25% to keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm. Lighting should be subdued to mimic their natural shaded habitat; floating plants like Salvinia or duckweed can help diffuse light and reduce stress. Feed a varied diet twice daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes. Staple diet should consist of high-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes, supplemented 2–3 times per week with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance coloration and vitality. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can quickly degrade water quality in soft, acidic conditions.

Adding a Bleeding Heart Tetra? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Bleeding Heart Tetra, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.