Family: Characidae
bleeding heart tetra — a Characidae from South AmericaSouth America, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 4.6–6.7 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 23–28 °C.
A Characidae species native to South America: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Adults reach 4.6–6.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hyphessobrycon species we profile, alongside Hyphessobrycon amandae, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better.
Set the heater to 23–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.6–7.2, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 4.6–6.7 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 54 litres.
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Recommended tankmates: Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully. Avoid Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks.
Its home waters are South America — blackwater streams and flooded forest, with still to gentle current.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.