Bleeding Heart Tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Bleeding Heart Tetra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bleeding Heart Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Bleeding Heart Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 10+.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Colombia.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Phantom Tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Bleeding Heart Tetra get?

Bleeding Heart Tetra reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does Bleeding Heart Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Bleeding Heart Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Bleeding Heart Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Bleeding Heart Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

Should Bleeding Heart Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Bleeding Heart Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.