Bloodfin Tetra

Aphyocharax anisitsi

Max. size      5.5 cm / 2.2 inches
pH range      6 – 8
dH range:     2-30
Temp           18 – 28°C/64.5 – 82.5°F
Care           Moderate

Common names- Red Finned Tetra, Glass Bloodfin,True Bloodfin

The Bloodfin tetra is easily recognized by its colourful fins. The caudal, anal, ventral and dorsal fin are all a vivid red colour that contrasts against the silvery body. The Bloodfin Tetra is a great addition to a new aquarium.  They are a shoaling fish and need to be kept in groups of at least five or six.

They will spend most of their time in the middle to upper regions of the aquarium and are an extremely active fish and great fun to watch.  It is a very peaceful species and will do well in a community aquarium with fish of a similar size and temperament.

The Bloodfin Tetra is native to South America. They are sub-tropical and can tolerate a relatively wide temperature range but do make sure that there are not any sudden changes in temperature.  You will also find that their colour is less vibrant in cooler water.

Although Bloodfin tetras enjoy wide open spaces to swim around in, they thrive in environments where there are a lot of plants,  include broad leaved plants  as this will encourage the Tetras to spawn.  The newly hatched fish will need weed to hide amongst as the adult fish simply see them as food.

If you intend to try breeding them seriously you will need a separate tank for the fry as they make a tasty snack for the parents.

In the wild Bloodfins are omnivorous feeding chiefly on crustaceans, worms and small insects so they will need a varied diet.  Flake food and a high quality tropical food is a good basic food. They are quite active fish so will have a healthy appetite but never feed them more than they can eat in about three minutes.

Read about Neon Tetras