Aphyocharax anisitsi
Silver bullet body, blood-red fins, and one of the most temperature-tolerant tetras on the market, comfortable in unheated rooms as low as 18 °C. Sprints in tight schools when kept eight-plus. Pairs unusually well with white clouds and other temperate-leaning fish.
Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) reaches 5–5.5 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Paraná River basin, Argentina, it lives in the mid to top water column with a peaceful (active) temperament. Aim for 18–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–8 years with good care. Keep bloodfin tetra in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworms. Surface and mid-water feeder. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Mostly (may eat shrimplets).
Care at a glance
Silver bullet body, blood-red fins, and one of the most temperature-tolerant tetras on the market, comfortable in unheated rooms as low as 18 °C. Sprints in tight schools when kept eight-plus. Pairs unusually well with white clouds and other temperate-leaning fish.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether bloodfin tetra fits in your tank.
Mid to Top
Yes
Group of 8+
Characidae
Omnivore
Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworms. Surface and mid-water feeder.
5–8 yrs
Medium
Paraná River basin, Argentina
Paraná River basin, Argentina
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.
Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the mid to top water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Mostly (may eat shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Bloodfin Tetra are omnivore. Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworms. Surface and mid-water feeder.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–8 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
