Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is an attractive, deep-bodied tetra recognised by the red heart-shaped mark on each side.
Appearance and natural habitat
In a settled group the fish spend much of their time together in midwater, with short displays and changes of position giving the aquarium constant movement. Keeping enough of their own kind improves confidence, colour and natural social behaviour.
In the wild, this fish comes from the upper Amazon basin in Brazil, Colombia and Peru. It is associated with slow tributaries, forest lakes and side channels containing roots, branches and dense cover. Matching some of that shelter and maintaining stable water helps the fish settle; use the species-appropriate conditions shown below.
Bleeding Heart Tetra care
- Adult size: up to 6 cm
- Temperature: 21-28°C
- pH: 4.0-7.5
- Temperament: Peaceful community fish
- Group: At least 6; 8 or more is preferred
- Care level: Easy
Aquarium setup
Provide a mature aquarium with plants, wood, a darker substrate and clear swimming space. It appreciates clean water and looks particularly good under gentle lighting.
Use an established filter and introduce the fish only after the aquarium is fully cycled. Regular partial water changes and steady conditions are safer than sudden attempts to adjust pH or hardness.
Feeding and tank mates
Feeding: Use a varied omnivorous diet of quality flakes or small pellets with frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.
Compatibility: This is a peaceful community fish, although adult males can display to one another. Keep a good-sized group with similarly calm tank mates.
Watch the group at feeding time to make sure every fish gets food, particularly when they share the aquarium with faster species. A varied diet, clean water and suitable companions are the best route to strong colour and long-term health.


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