Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 70–82°F (21–28°C) and pH 4–7.5, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 81 L (21 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 81 L (21 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 70–82°F (21–28°C) |
| pH | 4–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
Before it goes in
- Bleeding Heart Tetra needs at least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Axolotl and Oscar: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 70–82°F (21–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 81% of what a 60H Tall will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
What water does it want?
70–82°F (21–28°C), pH 4–7.5.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Bleeding Heart Tetra | Buenos Aires Tetra | Black Phantom Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm | 6 cm | 4.5 cm |
| Min tank | 81 L | 81 L | 60 L |
| Group | 8+ | 8+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 70–82°F (21–28°C) | 61–82°F (16–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |