The bleeding heart tetra, Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma, is a freshwater tropical fish native to the Upper Amazon River basin.[1][2] It grows to the size of 64mm and lives for around five years.
The female is more full bodied and the male has a larger dorsal fin, whereas the male is distinguished by longer extended dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal fin is elongated into a sickle shape that arches to the length of the tail base. The female has a shorter rounded fin.
This egg-laying fish has been bred successfully, with difficulty, in captivity.[1]
The dorsal fin and anal fin of the males can become long and flowing.[1] Both sexes have the eye-catching blood-red spot in the pectoral area. Both also have the black and white patch on the dorsal fin.
A group of 6 fishes will feel comfortable in a 15-gallon tank, but a bigger tank (preferably 30 gallons) and more fishes are recommended.
According to the Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, it prefers water of 23-28° C (75-82°F) that is soft (50-100 mg/L) and acidic (pH 5.6-6.9), and a diet of prepared foods and small live foods.[1] It is recommended that peat be added to the filter to help keep the water conditions suitable for it.[1]
The bleeding heart tetra, Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma, is a freshwater tropical fish native to the Upper Amazon River basin. It grows to the size of 64mm and lives for around five years.
