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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
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.
