Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
72-80°F (22-27°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Bleeding Heart Tetra
The bleeding heart tetra is a large, elegant tetra from the upper Amazon basin in Colombia and Peru. It gets its evocative name from a vivid red spot on its flanks that resembles a bleeding heart, set against a pinkish-silver body. Males develop dramatically extended dorsal and anal fins that they use in impressive display rituals. These are robust tetras that reach about 3 inches, making them one of the larger commonly kept tetra species. Bleeding heart tetras are moderately active schoolers that prefer the mid to lower water levels, and their combination of size, color, and interesting behavior makes them a compelling choice for larger community setups.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.0
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Bleeding heart tetras need a spacious tank of at least 30 gallons for a proper school, as they are larger and more active than many tetras. Keep them in groups of at least six in soft, acidic water at 73-82°F. They are somewhat sensitive to water quality and do best in mature, well-maintained tanks with consistent parameters. Males may display aggressively toward each other with extended fins but rarely cause injury. Provide a mix of open water and planted retreats. Feed high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. They can be sensitive to stress during acclimation.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Bleeding Heart Tetra
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Tank Mates for Bleeding Heart Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma borellii
moderate · 15+ gal
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
moderate · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Bleeding Heart Tetra need?
A Bleeding Heart Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Bleeding Heart Tetra need?
Bleeding Heart Tetra thrive in water between 72-80°F (22-27°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.0.
Are Bleeding Heart Tetra easy to care for?
Bleeding Heart Tetra are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Bleeding Heart Tetra get and what do they eat?
Bleeding Heart Tetra reach about 3 inches and are omnivores. Bleeding heart tetras need a spacious tank of at least 30 gallons for a proper school, as they are larger and more active than many tetras. Keep them in groups of at least six in soft, acidic water at 73-82°F. They are somewhat sensitive to water quality and do best in mature, well-maintained tanks with consistent parameters. Males may display aggressively toward each other with extended fins but rarely cause injury. Provide a mix of open water and planted retreats. Feed high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. They can be sensitive to stress during acclimation.