Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
A larger, deeper-bodied tetra with a distinctive red blotch over the gills — the namesake bleeding heart. Needs space and a proper shoal; kept in fours they become twitchy fin-nippers, kept in eights they school calmly.
Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) reaches 6–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 110 L. Native to Upper Amazon basin, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful (mild fin-nipper if under-shoaled) temperament. Aim for 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, and 1–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–7 years with good care. Keep bleeding heart tetra in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes (with adults).
Care at a glance
A larger, deeper-bodied tetra with a distinctive red blotch over the gills — the namesake bleeding heart. Needs space and a proper shoal; kept in fours they become twitchy fin-nippers, kept in eights they school calmly.
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The parameters that decide whether bleeding heart tetra fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 8+
Characidae
Omnivore
Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp.
5–7 yrs
Very hard
Upper Amazon basin
Upper Amazon basin
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) needs a minimum tank of 110 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, and 1–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes (with adults). Plant safety: Yes.
Bleeding Heart Tetra are omnivore. Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: very hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–7 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
