Bleeding Heart Tetra – Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
The Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is a peaceful freshwater schooling fish known for its distinct red “heart” marking, larger tetra size, and graceful movement. This unique species adds personality, color, and visual interest to planted aquariums, aquascapes, and community tanks.
Bleeding Heart Tetras are best kept in groups, where they feel more secure and display natural schooling behavior. Their soft body coloration and signature red marking stand out beautifully against live plants, driftwood, and darker aquarium backgrounds.
Key Features
- Distinct red heart-shaped marking
- Peaceful freshwater schooling fish
- Larger tetra species with elegant movement
- Great for planted aquariums and community tanks
- Unique appearance compared to common tetras
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
- Common Name: Bleeding Heart Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1–1.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Bleeding Heart Tetras?
Bleeding Heart Tetras are instantly recognizable because of their signature red marking near the center of the body. Their larger size and graceful schooling behavior make them a beautiful choice for aquarists who want something more distinctive than standard community tetras.
They work especially well in planted aquariums with open swimming space, peaceful tankmates, and stable water conditions. A group of Bleeding Heart Tetras adds calm movement and a natural display to freshwater setups.
Ideal Tank Setup
Bleeding Heart Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with live plants, open swimming space, and areas of cover. Driftwood, floating plants, darker backgrounds, and planted sections can help them feel secure while highlighting their red marking.
Because they are a larger tetra species, a 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a proper group. Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best confidence, behavior, and long-term health.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful larger tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Dwarf cichlids with caution
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful livebearers
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Bleeding Heart Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space
- Add live plants, driftwood, or decor for cover
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Use peaceful community tankmates
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bleeding Heart Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Bleeding Heart Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
How many Bleeding Heart Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
How big do Bleeding Heart Tetras get?
Bleeding Heart Tetras typically reach approximately 2–2.5 inches as adults.
Are Bleeding Heart Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They are excellent for planted aquariums, especially tanks with open swimming space and areas of cover.
What do Bleeding Heart Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Can Bleeding Heart Tetras live with dwarf cichlids?
They can live with peaceful dwarf cichlids in a properly sized aquarium, but avoid aggressive or overly territorial tankmates.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Bleeding Heart Tetras are unique peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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