Bleeding Heart

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: The Bleeding Heart Tetra has a slender, elongated body that is primarily silver to light pink, with a distinctive red or orange spot on either side, resembling a heart. This unique marking is what gives the fish its common name. The fins are often translucent with a slight reddish hue.
• Size: They typically grow to about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Bleeding Heart Tetras can live for 5-8 years in captivity.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Native to the freshwater rivers and streams of South America, particularly in regions of Brazil and Peru, where they inhabit slow-moving waters with dense vegetation.
• Tank Environment: In captivity, they thrive in well-planted aquariums that provide ample hiding spots and open swimming areas.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Peaceful Schooling Fish: Bleeding Heart Tetras are peaceful and do best in groups of at least 6-10 individuals. They are active swimmers and tend to occupy the mid-to-upper levels of the tank.
• Social Behavior: These fish are social and display more vibrant colors when kept in schools. They are generally non-aggressive, although males may display minor territorial behavior during breeding.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a small school of Bleeding Heart Tetras. A larger tank (30 gallons or more) is preferable to provide ample swimming space and stability in water conditions.

  Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).

  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral water).

  • Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).

  • Filtration and Aeration: They prefer well-oxygenated water, so a good filtration system is essential. Gentle water movement mimics their natural habitat.

• Aquascaping: Provide open swimming areas along with dense planting using soft-leaved plants like Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants. Incorporating driftwood and rocks can create hiding spots and enhance the overall environment.

5. Diet

• Omnivorous: Bleeding Heart Tetras are omnivores and require a varied diet.

  Diet Options:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food formulated for tropical fish.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Plant-based foods, including spirulina and algae wafers, to ensure balanced nutrition.

  Diet Variation: A diverse diet helps maintain their health and enhances their coloration.

6. Breeding

• Egg-Laying Species: Breeding Bleeding Heart Tetras in captivity can be successful with the right conditions. They are egg scatterers and will lay their eggs on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
• Mating Behavior: Males become more colorful during breeding and may engage in courtship behaviors, including chasing and displaying.
• Hatching: Eggs usually hatch within 24-36 hours. Once the fry are free-swimming, they should be fed infusoria or specialized fry foods until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

7. Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Bleeding Heart Tetras are peaceful and can be housed with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

  Good tank mates include:

  • Other small tetras (such as Neon Tetras or Rummy Nose Tetras).
  • Rasboras, including Harlequin or Scissortail Rasboras.
  • Corydoras catfish or small loaches.

  Avoid Aggressive Fish: Larger or aggressive species should be avoided, as they may stress the Bleeding Heart Tetras or compete for food.

8. Fun Facts

• Color Changes: Their colors can become more vibrant based on their mood and environmental conditions, especially during breeding.
• Active Swimming: They are known for their lively swimming patterns and often school closely together, making them a dynamic addition to any community aquarium.
• Unique Heart Marking: The heart-shaped spot on their sides is not only visually appealing but also serves as a form of communication and signaling among the fish.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Visual Appeal: Their unique coloration and active behavior make them a popular choice for community tanks.

• Beginner-Friendly: Bleeding Heart Tetras are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of setups, making them great for new aquarists.

  Key Care Tips:

  • Stable Water Conditions: Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial for their health and coloration.
  • Group Size: Keep them in schools of 6-10 or more to encourage natural behaviors and enhance their vibrant coloration.
  • Balanced Diet: A varied diet with both plant and protein-based foods will help them maintain their health and overall appearance.