Description
The Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma is a stocky, vivacious little fish from the swiftly moving streams of the Amazon. Although it can get up to about 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in the wild, it will only reach about 2 3/4 inches (7 cm) in the aquarium.
It does best with when kept with a school of its own kind. Once established in a shoal, it will show off deep body colors ranging from a beige-orange to a silvery lavender. It is also known as the Spotfin Tetra and Tetra Perez.
The Bleeding Heart Tetra will show its best colors if it feels secure. Provide dark gravel, a balance of hiding places, and subtle lighting. These things, along with floating plants and some open swimming space, will keep it happy. Given time to acclimate to its environment in peace and security, the Bleeding Heart Tetra’s colors will become more developed. This fish makes a great addition to most tanks, but it is prone to disease if stressed from changes to its water conditions.
This fish requires at least a 15 gallon tank with optimal water conditions. Although it is not as hardy as some of the other tetras, it can be a good fish for a conscientious beginning fish keeper. The Bleeding Heart Tetra is generally a peaceful community fish, but it is known to be a nipper. Nipping behavior can be reduced by keeping these fish in a large school of at least 6 or more individuals. They can also be kept in pairs along with other peaceful fish.
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