Family: Characidae
Blood Tetra — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 3.4–5 cm; keep at 24–27 °C.
Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus, a member of the family Characidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory and omnivore with carnivorous tilt, it grows to 3.4–5 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 24–27 °C range. Other Hyphessobrycon species in our database include Hyphessobrycon amandae, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques.
Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Aim for 24–27 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 24–27 °C recorded range.
Expect 3.4–5 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 30 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to South America, where it lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.