Bloodfin Tetra | Freshwater Aquarium Fish

The bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a popular freshwater aquarium fish which belongs to the family Characidae under Order Characiformes of Class Actinopterygii. It is a species of characin from the Paraná River basin in South America. The bloodfin tetra is also known as True Bloodfin, Glass Bloodfin and Red Finned Tetra.

The bloodfin tetra is an excellent community species that grows up to 5.5 cm in length and can live up to 10 years. Its notable feature (as the name suggest) is the blood-red colouration of the tail, dorsal, anal and adipose fin, while the body is silver in color. The bloodfin tetra has a slender and elongated body with small mouth. Body is silver in color and it is easily recognized due to their colorful fins.

It is an omnivore and in wild condition, it feeds chiefly on crustaceans, worms and small insects. The male bloodfin tetra is a bit more colorful than the female and it has a small hook on the anal fin.

Quick fact sheet of Bloodfin Tetra

Scientific/ Binomial name: Aphyocharax anisitsi (C. H. Eigenmann & C. H. Kennedy, 1903)

Kingdom:          Animalia

Family:  Characidae

Kingdom:          Animalia

Phylum:            Chordata

Class:   Actinopterygii

Order:   Characiformes

Family:  Characidae 

Subfamily:         Aphyocharacinae

Genus:  Aphyocharax

Size Range:       up to 5.5 cm in length

Diet:     Omnivore

Tank Size:         10+ gallons

Tank Set-up:     Densely planted

Tank region:      It swims surface and Middle layer

Temperature:    64.5 – 82.5°F

Carbonate Alkalinity (dKH):       30

Carbonate Hardness (dKH):      4-12

Water pH:         6-8

Origin:  Argentina and Rio Parana

Temperament:   Peaceful

Care Level:       Easy

Habitat: South America river basins

Lifespan:           5 to 8 years

Reproduction:    Egg layers

Breeding:          The Bloodfin tetra is also easy to breed in captivity.

Water Movement:         Slow to Medium

Aquarium care / Bloodfin Tetra Care: The bloodfin tetra is a great choice for the trainee aquarium hobbyist due to their peaceful behavior and easy care level.

Bloodfin tetras are typically kept in schools of five or more. They swim mainly in the upper and middle water layers and are highly sociable fishes, mixing well with other types of tetras and tropical fish in general, so are often kept in a community tank. Many aquarists use a blue background in the aquarium to bring out the colors of their bloodfin tetras. However, they will tend to nip at the fins of fish with long, wavy fins, such as angelfish or guppies. Bloodfin tetras have also been kept in cold-water tanks, provided the temperature does not drop below room temperature.

It requires 10 gallons or larger aquarium for 6 or more tetras of same size. Tetras are adapted to soft and slightly acidic water which is essential for breeding. The aquarium should have good water quality and suitable water temperature and pH that range from 64.5 – 82.5°F and 6-8 respectively.

Feeding/Diet: It is an omnivore fish. In captive condition it should be fed a variety of diet such as brine shrimp, high quality flakes, frozen or freeze dried blood worms, glass worm, live Bloodworms, Micro pellet food, Daphnia and tubifex.

Breeding: The tetra often spawns spontaneously. At the time of spawning it jumps above the surface of the water and releases the eggs in the water. The eggs, being heavy, fall to the floor of the tank or water body. The female deposits 300–500 eggs.