Here is a complete care guide and detailed profile for the Bloodfin Tetra, a popular and hardy freshwater schooling fish with striking red fins. ๐ Bloodfin Tetra โ 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 (Paranรก River Basin โ 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 (5โ6.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5 โ 8 years with good care |
๐ด Their bright red fins are especially vivid in a planted tank or under soft lighting.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22 โ 28ยฐC (72 โ 82ยฐF) |
| pH Level | 6.0 โ 7.5 |
| Hardness | 5 โ 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 6โ10+ |
| 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 โ 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 | 2โ3 small meals per day |
โ 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, ~25ยฐC) |
| Mating Behavior | Pair dances and scatter eggs |
| Parental Care | None โ remove adults after spawning |
| Fry Care | Infusoria โ baby brine shrimp after hatching (~24โ36 hrs) |
| โ Good Tank Mates | โ 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 |
๐ They do best in peaceful community tanks with fish of similar size and temperament.
๐ง Weekly water changes of 25โ30%
๐งช Regularly monitor ammonia, nitrite, and pH levels
๐ฟ Clean substrate and trim plants as needed
๐ Keep stable temperature and low stress
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphyocharax anisitsi |
| Common Name | Bloodfin Tetra |
| Size | 2 โ 2.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 5 โ 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 |
๐ด Vivid red fins contrast beautifully with a silver body
๐ Hardy and excellent for beginner aquarists
๐ฅ Best viewed in groups with good lighting
๐ฟ Great addition to planted community aquariums