Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra - (No Online Purchases)

Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra

The Rathbun's Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni), also commonly known as the Green Fire Tetra or Redflank Bloodfin, is a colourful and active fish that makes a beautiful addition to a community tank.

Water Parameters and Setup
The Rathbun's Bloodfin Tetra is quite hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions, but it thrives in a planted, mature aquarium.

Temperature: 20 ∘C to 26 ∘C

pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.0 to 7.5

Hardness (GH): Soft to moderately hard, up to 18 dGH (they prefer softer water for breeding).

Tank Setup:

Substrate: A dark, fine substrate (sand or fine gravel) will help their colors stand out.

Decorations: Provide a well-planted environment with plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, roots, and dense live plants.

Lighting: They appreciate subdued lighting, which can be achieved by using floating plants to diffuse the light.

Filtration: A good filter is necessary to maintain water quality, but the water flow should be gentle to moderate.

Maintenance: Regular weekly water changes (20–25%) are essential for their health.

Diet and Feeding
Omnivore: A. rathbuni is an omnivorous micro-predator, mainly eating micro-crustaceans and insect larvae in the wild.

Staple: A high-quality flake or micro-pellet food should form the basis of their diet.

Supplement:To ensure optimal color and health, supplement frequently with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Note:They are mid-level feeders and will readily take food floating or sinking in the water column.

Tankmates and Behaviour
Shoaling: They are a shoaling species and must be kept in a group of at least 6–8 individuals. When kept in small numbers, they become shy, stressed, and may hide or become more prone to fin-nipping.

Fin-Nipping: While generally peaceful, they have a reputation for being mild fin-nippers.

Avoid: Tankmates with long, flowing fins (like male Bettas, Angelfish, or Guppies).

Suitable Tankmates: Other similarly sized, robust, and fast-moving peaceful community fish such as:

Other Tetras (Neon, Black Skirt, Congo)

Rasboras

Dwarf Corydoras and other small Catfish

Dwarf Cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma species)

Breeding
Breeding this species is straightforward and can sometimes occur spontaneously in a well-conditioned community tank.

Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank (approx. 20 gallons) with very soft, slightly acidic water (pH ∼6.5) and very low, dim lighting.

Spawning Material:Provide plenty of fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or a spawning mop, as they are egg-scatterers.

Conditioning: Feed the adults heavily with high-protein live and frozen foods.

Process: Spawning often happens in the early morning. They will scatter the adhesive eggs among the plants.

Fry Care:Remove the parents immediately after spawning, as they will eat the eggs. The eggs typically hatch in 2–3 days, and the fry are free-swimming in 4–5 days. Feed the fry infusoria initially, then transition to newly hatched brine shrimp and micro-powdered foods.