The Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is a beautiful and popular freshwater tetra known for its distinctive red "bleeding heart" marking on its side. They are a great choice for community aquariums.
Key Characteristics:
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Appearance:
- Body Shape: They have a classic tetra shape – laterally compressed and somewhat diamond-shaped.
- Coloration: Their body is generally a silvery-tan to light brown. The most striking feature is the prominent, reddish-pink to deep red blotch located just behind the gill plate, resembling a "bleeding heart."
- Fins: They have clear to slightly yellowish fins. The dorsal fin is tall and pointed, often with a dark blotch or edge, especially in males. The anal fin is long and also clear or slightly yellowish.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males are typically more intensely colored, especially the red spot, and have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females are generally rounder in the belly and have less vibrant coloration.
- Size: Bleeding Heart Tetras typically grow to around 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches) in length.
- Temperament: They are peaceful and schooling fish. They are generally well-behaved in a community tank setting.
- Social Behavior: They thrive in groups and should be kept in schools of at least six individuals, but larger groups of 8-10 or more will make them feel more secure and display more natural behaviors and vibrant colors.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5-8 years or even longer in optimal conditions.
Care Requirements :
- Tank Size: A tank of at least 60 liters (15 gallons) is recommended for a small school of Bleeding Heart Tetras. A longer tank is preferable to provide ample swimming space.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). You'll likely need a heater during the cooler months to maintain a stable temperature.
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal).
- Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water (50-150 ppm or 3-8 dGH) is best. While they can adapt to slightly harder water, softer water often brings out their colors more vibrantly. You might want to check your local tap water parameters in Caboolture.
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm with regular water changes.
- Substrate: A dark substrate can help to enhance their colors.
- Plants and Decorations: They appreciate a well-planted tank with areas of dense vegetation for hiding and open swimming spaces. Live plants like Amazon Swords, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne are excellent choices. Driftwood and other decorations can also provide cover.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable. They don't require very bright conditions.
- Filtration: A good quality filter is essential to maintain water quality. Gentle to moderate flow is preferred as they are not strong swimmers.
- Water Changes: Regular weekly water changes of 25-30% are crucial for their health.
Tank Mates:
Bleeding Heart Tetras are generally compatible with other peaceful community fish of similar size and temperament, such as:
- Other small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
- Small rasboras
- Dwarf gouramis
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful bottom dwellers like Otocinclus
- Small, peaceful barbs
Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that might bully or prey on them.
Diet:
They are omnivores and will accept a varied diet. Offer a high-quality flake food as their staple, supplemented with small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They also appreciate small vegetable matter.
Breeding:
Breeding Bleeding Heart Tetras in a home aquarium is possible but can be a bit challenging. They are egg-scatterers and do not exhibit parental care. A separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and subdued lighting is usually recommended. The adults should be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. The fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp.
