Here is a complete care guide and detailed profile for the Bloodfin Tetra, a popular and hardy freshwater schooling fish with striking red fins. 🐟 Bloodfin Tetra – Full Details...
Here is a complete care guide and detailed profile for the Bloodfin Tetra, a popular and hardy freshwater schooling fish with striking red fins.
Bloodfin Tetra
True Bloodfin
Redfin Tetra
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphyocharax anisitsi |
| Family | Characidae |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Origin | South America (Paraná River Basin – Argentina, Paraguay) |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Color | Shiny silver body with slight green or blue reflection |
| Fins | Bright red or blood-red fins (especially tail, anal, and dorsal fins) |
| Size | 2 to 2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5 – 8 years with good care |
🔴 Their bright red fins are especially vivid in a planted tank or under soft lighting.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F) |
| pH Level | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Hardness | 5 – 15 dGH |
| Water Type | Freshwater, clean and well-oxygenated |
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 15 gallons (larger is better) |
| Group Size | Best in schools of 6–10+ |
| Substrate | Dark gravel or sand |
| Plants | Live plants like Vallisneria, Java fern, and Anubias |
| Decorations | Driftwood, stones, open swimming space |
| Lighting | Moderate (highlighting fins and reflections) |
| Filtration | Sponge or hang-on-back filter with gentle flow |
| Tank Cover | Required – they can jump! |
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful and social |
| Schooling | Yes, always in groups |
| Swimming Zone | Middle to top levels |
| Activity Level | Very active and playful |
| Compatibility | Ideal for community tanks |
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Staple Diet | High-quality flake or micro pellets |
| Live/Frozen | Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia |
| Vegetables | Blanched spinach, peas, spirulina-based food |
| Feeding Schedule | 2–3 small meals per day |
✅ They are omnivores with strong appetites and fast eaters.
| Breeding Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Spawning Type | Egg scatterers |
| Breeding Tank | Separate tank with fine plants/mops |
| Water Conditions | Soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.5, ~25°C) |
| Mating Behavior | Pair dances and scatter eggs |
| Parental Care | None – remove adults after spawning |
| Fry Care | Infusoria → baby brine shrimp after hatching (~24–36 hrs) |
| ✅ Good Tank Mates | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|
| Neon Tetras | Large aggressive fish |
| Glowlight or Rummy Nose Tetras | Tiger barbs (fin-nippers) |
| Corydoras Catfish | Bettas (may be fin-nipped) |
| Mollies, Platies | Goldfish (different conditions) |
| Rasboras | Oscars, Arowanas |
🐠 They do best in peaceful community tanks with fish of similar size and temperament.
💧 Weekly water changes of 25–30%
🧪 Regularly monitor ammonia, nitrite, and pH levels
🌿 Clean substrate and trim plants as needed
🔄 Keep stable temperature and low stress
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphyocharax anisitsi |
| Common Name | Bloodfin Tetra |
| Size | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 5 – 8 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, schooling |
| Tank Size | 15+ gallons |
| Swimming Zone | Middle to top |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Care Level | Beginner-friendly |
| Breeding | Easy in the right conditions |
🔴 Vivid red fins contrast beautifully with a silver body
🐟 Hardy and excellent for beginner aquarists
👥 Best viewed in groups with good lighting
🌿 Great addition to planted community aquariums