Bleeding heart tetra

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Bleeding heart tetra
Male

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Characidae
Genus: Hyphessobrycon
Species:
H. erythrostigma
Binomial name
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
(Fowler, 1943)

The bleeding heart tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is a

freshwater tropical fish native to the Upper Amazon River basin.[2][3]
It grows to the size of 2.5 in (64 mm) and lives for around five years.

Sexing

The female is more full bodied and the male has a larger dorsal fin, whereas the male is distinguished by longer extended dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal fin is elongated into a sickle shape that arches to the length of the tail base. The female has a shorter rounded fin.

Breeding in captivity

This egg-laying fish has been bred successfully, with difficulty, in captivity.[2]

Appearance

The dorsal fin and anal fin of the males can become long and flowing.[2] Both sexes have the eye-catching blood-red spot in the pectoral area. Both also have the black and white patch on the dorsal fin.

Aquarium care

A group of 6 fishes will feel comfortable in a 15-gallon tank, but a bigger tank (preferably 30 gallons) and more fishes are recommended.

According to the Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, it prefers water of 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) that is soft (50-100 mg/L) and acidic (pH 5.6-6.9), and a diet of prepared foods and small live foods.[2] It is recommended that peat be added to the filter to help keep the water conditions suitable for it.[2]

See also

References