Bloodfin Tetra – Aphyocharax anisitsi
The Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a hardy freshwater schooling fish known for its bright red fins, silver body, and active personality. This classic community fish adds movement, color, and energy to planted aquariums and peaceful freshwater setups.
Bloodfin Tetras are one of the better tetra choices for beginners because they are adaptable, active, and easy to care for in a stable aquarium. They do best in groups, where they feel more secure and display natural schooling behavior.
Key Features
- Bright red fins with a shimmering silver body
- Hardy and beginner-friendly freshwater tetra
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Active swimmer that adds movement to the tank
- Adaptable to a range of freshwater conditions
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Aphyocharax anisitsi
- Common Name: Bloodfin Tetra
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Adult Size: Approximately 2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 64–82°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Bloodfin Tetras?
Bloodfin Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want a durable, active schooling fish with simple care needs. Their bright red fins create strong contrast against live plants, dark substrate, driftwood, and natural aquarium decor.
Because they are hardy and adaptable, Bloodfin Tetras work well in many peaceful community aquariums. A group of 6 or more helps reduce stress, encourages natural schooling, and creates a more attractive display.
Ideal Tank Setup
Bloodfin Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and gentle to moderate filtration help create a comfortable environment.
They are active swimmers, so a 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a group. Maintain clean water with regular maintenance and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Bloodfin Tetras are omnivores and accept a wide variety of small aquarium foods. Feed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and long-term 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 plants or decor for cover and comfort
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or overly nippy tankmates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bloodfin Tetras good for beginners?
Yes. Bloodfin Tetras are hardy, adaptable, and peaceful, making them a great choice for beginner freshwater aquariums.
How many Bloodfin Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Bloodfin Tetras peaceful?
Yes. They are peaceful schooling fish, though they are active and do best with other calm but confident community fish.
What size tank do Bloodfin Tetras need?
A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended because they are active swimmers and should be kept in a group.
What do Bloodfin Tetras eat?
They eat flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Are Bloodfin Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They look great in planted aquariums and appreciate open swimming space with plants or decor for cover.
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
Bloodfin Tetras are hardy peaceful schooling fish for beginner aquariums, planted tanks, and freshwater community setups. 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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