Bloodfin Tetra care guide
Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6-8.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a slim, active characid from the lower Paraná basin, recognised by a silvery body with bright red fins. It is one of the most cold-tolerant tropical tetras and is widely available in the trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Aphyocharax
- Scientific name: Aphyocharax anisitsi
- Common synonyms: Glass Bloodfin
Habitat
Native to the Paraná and lower Paraguay river basins of Argentina and southern Brazil, occupying clear, slightly alkaline rivers and tributaries with moderate flow.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-5 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 2-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore that takes small invertebrates from the water column. In aquaria it accepts flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms).
Compatibility
A peaceful, very active schooling species. Keep a group of at least six in spacious tanks with open swimming areas. Compatible with other active mid-water species; avoid pairing with long-finned slow tankmates as Bloodfin Tetras may nip.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that spawns at the water surface and lets fertilised eggs sink to the substrate. Adults consume eggs and should be removed after spawning.
Bloodfin Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
Aphyocharax anisitsi is a hardy egg-scattering characin. It is quite fecund for its size, and a successful spawn can produce several hundred fry. The eggs are not adhesive, so many fall to the tank floor, which influences how the spawning tank is set up.
Sexing
Males tend to be slimmer than females and develop small hooks on some of their pelvic and anal fin rays as they mature. Females become full of eggs when in condition.
Conditioning
Condition the fish as a group on a high-quality diet of frozen and live foods. When the females are full of eggs and the males show peak colour, select the fattest female and the best-coloured male for spawning.
Breeding Setup
- Separate small spawning tank with clumps of fine-leaved plants such as java moss as the spawning substrate
- Small air-powered sponge filter for adequate aeration
- Water parameters are not otherwise critical, but very alkaline water should be avoided
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning typically occurs the morning after the conditioned fish are introduced to the spawning tank. Eggs are deposited among the plants but are not adhesive, so many fall to the floor or even float.
Egg & Fry Care
Remove the adults after spawning, as they will eat the eggs. The eggs hatch in about 24 hours. Feed the fry infusoria-type foods for the first few days, then microworm and/or brine shrimp nauplii as they grow.
Common Challenges
Because the eggs are non-adhesive and many settle on the bottom, prompt removal of the adults is essential to protect the spawn, and the very fast 24-hour hatch means first foods must be ready in advance.