CheckMyFishTank

Bleeding Heart Tetra care

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma · Freshwater · Intermediate level care

Bleeding Heart Tetra, painted illustration

A larger tetra with a red heart shaped spot on its side.

Smallest tank30 gallons
Adult size3 inches
Temperature73 to 82°F
pH5.5 to 7.5
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives4 to 6 years
Watch for: Males can chase each other and nip fins, so keep a group of at least six.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, frozen bloodworms.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Bleeding Heart Tetra in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Betta (Female)Betta (Male)Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBoesemani RainbowfishBrilliant RasboraBristlenose PlecoBronze Corydoras

Do not mix with

  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Bleeding Heart Tetra.
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Bleeding Heart Tetra need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bleeding Heart Tetra.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Bleeding Heart Tetra.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Bleeding Heart Tetra.
  • Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Bleeding Heart Tetra.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Bleeding Heart Tetra.
  • Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bleeding Heart Tetra.

Questions

What size tank does a Bleeding Heart Tetra need?

At least 30 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 3 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Bleeding Heart Tetra like?

73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Bleeding Heart Tetra should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Bleeding Heart Tetra eat?

Flakes, small pellets, frozen bloodworms. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.