Bleeding Heart Tetra

(Grows to-  2.5")  A beautiful tetra that has many desirable characteristics.  Hardy, peaceful, and active, they do well in a variety of community tanks with similar size fish. Like most tetras they do best in groups in tanks with bushy plants in the back and open swimming room in front. They grow larger than most tetras, and show beautiful colors when mature. (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

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How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 4 or more.  Six or more is best and will deter fin nipping behavior.

Housing: Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They look good with a dark substrate.  They swim in the mid to bottom region of the tank.  They enjoy a healthy water current.  Minimum tank size is about 20 gallons. (Temperature- 72-82),  (pH 6.5-7.5).

Tank mates: They are peaceful fish that should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size.  May nip fins so it is best to avoid tank mates with large fins.   Some good tank mates include:  Serpae Tetras, Black Tetras, Bloodfin Tetras, Diamond Tetras, Phantom Tetras, Harlequin Raboras, Brilliant Rasboras, Zebra Danio, Moon, Corydoras Cat, Bristlenose Cat.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  Tetras will show their best color after you have owned it for a few months and have given them a good diet.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Peru.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Both sexes have a red "heart" on the body.  Adult males have a larger dorsal fin.  Females will have a more round bodied when plump with eggs.