Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Also called Bleeding-heart tetra, Megalamphodus erythrostigma, Hemigrammus erythrostigma, Hyphessobrycon rubrostigma
From South America: the western (upper) Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru and Colombia123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled characin (tetra) with an adipose fin
A tall, deep-bodied tetra whose colour ranges from beige to orange or a pale silvery purple. Its signature is a crimson spot on each side, just behind the gills, like a little heart. Adults show a white stripe on the anal fin, and males grow long, flowing dorsal, pelvic and anal fins.32
Personality what they are like
Generally peaceful and good for a calm community tank. Males hold harmless rivalry displays with each other, which is when they look their most colourful.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderately active schooler; it needs a roomier tank than most small tetras so the group has space to swim and display.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No grooming needed. Regular partial water changes and a varied diet. Nearly all fish in the trade are captive bred.23
Home where they are happiest
Larger tank of at least 80-90 cm long (Seriously Fish suggests a 90 x 30 cm base, about 81 litres). Temperature 21-28 °C (FishBase 23-28 °C), pH about 4.0-7.5 (FishBase 5.6-7.2), soft water up to about 12 dGH.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Studies of wild fish found their diet was almost entirely fruit remains with a little aquatic insect food; in the aquarium offer dry food with small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.21
Company who they like around
Keep in a mixed-sex group of at least 8-10 (FishBase minimum: 5).21
The story where it all began
Henry Weed Fowler described the species in 1943 as Hemigrammus erythrostigma, from somewhere near the Brazil-Peru border. It later sat in Hyphessobrycon and was moved to Megalamphodus in 2024. It is one of the most popular tetras in the trade, and nearly all are captive bred.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its name erythrostigma combines Greek words for 'red' and 'brand', describing the red mark on its side.2
- 2
Wild bleeding heart tetras studied in nature were eating almost nothing but fruit remains.2
- 3
Males grow strikingly long dorsal, pelvic and anal fins.2
- 4
At up to about 6 cm it is one of the larger tetras commonly kept.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 4 March 2021)1
- FishBase
- Rated highly commercial in the aquarium trade1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bleeding Heart Tetra. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bleeding Heart Tetra?
Feed your Bleeding Heart Tetra small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. This keeps them active and healthy without overfeeding. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Bleeding Heart Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy dry food along with small live or frozen foods like bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia. What they should never eat varies by individual; ask a vet or good breeder for specific foods to avoid.21
How much space does a Bleeding Heart Tetra need?
A larger tank is best, at least 80-90 cm long. Seriously Fish recommends a 90 x 30 cm base, which is about 81 litres, so your group has plenty of room to swim and display.21
What temperature, light or water does a Bleeding Heart Tetra need?
Keep water temperature between 21-28°C, pH around 4.0-7.5, and soft water up to about 12 dGH. Lighting needs vary; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific advice.21
How often should I clean a Bleeding Heart Tetra's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular cleaning keeps the water healthy for your fish. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Bleeding Heart Tetra live with others?
Yes, they are generally peaceful and perfect for a calm community tank. Keep them in a mixed-sex group of at least 8-10 so they feel secure and show their best colours.21
How long does a Bleeding Heart Tetra live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet who knows your specific fish.
Can I handle a Bleeding Heart Tetra?
Handling is not recommended as fish are very delicate and easily stressed. Enjoy watching them swim instead of touching them.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase species summary: Megalamphodus erythrostigma (Bleeding-heart tetra) fishbase.seused for origin, maximum length, water parameters, natural diet, IUCN status, trade use
- Seriously Fish species profile: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, group size, sexing, naming
- Wikipedia: Bleeding Heart Tetra en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, lifespan, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.