Bleeding Heart Tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Bleeding Heart Tetra is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

Generally peaceful in an appropriate group, with adult male territorial displays.Bottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Generally peaceful in an appropriate group, with adult male territorial displays.
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)
pH: 4–7.5
GH: 1–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

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 21–28 °C, pH 4–7.5, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bleeding Heart Tetra needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

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.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

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 Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Bleeding Heart Tetra get?

Bleeding Heart Tetra reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 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?

Bleeding Heart Tetra needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Bleeding Heart Tetra?

Keep it between 21 to 28 °C.

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

Bleeding Heart Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 8.