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Bloodfin Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Aphyocharax anisitsi

Complete Bloodfin Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 15 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Bloodfin Tetra

Quick Answer

Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a robust, lively tetra from South America. It requires a minimum 15 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 20-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a robust, lively tetra from South America. Its transparent red fins contrast beautifully with its silver body.

Setup

A 15-gallon or larger tank with open swimming space and some plants. They tolerate a wide range of temperatures and water conditions.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods. Easy to feed.

Compatibility

Peaceful but very active. Keep in schools of 6+. Good with similarly active fish: danios, barbs, rainbowfish. Avoid slow, long-finned fish that may be stressed by their speed.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
20-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bloodfin Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 10 individuals in a tank with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm) and volume of 20 gallons (75 liters). Bloodfin tetras (Aphyocharax anisitsi) are active, fast-swimming schooling fish that require open swimming lanes. Groups under 6 cause fin-nipping and stress-induced color loss. A school of 12+ displays their signature red fins and silver bodies optimally. Provide a tank length of at least 30 inches (75 cm) to accommodate their rapid darting behavior. Keep with similarly active species; avoid slow-moving or long-finned tank mates.
What are the precise water parameters for Bloodfin Tetras?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 350 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 250 - 700 μS/cm, and temperature 64°F - 82°F (18°C - 28°C). They are exceptionally hardy and tolerate cooler water down to 64°F (18°C), making them suitable for unheated tanks. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a hang-on-back or canister filter with moderate to high flow. Sudden temperature drops >5°F (3°C) cause ich outbreaks.
What is the nutritional and medication protocol for Bloodfin Tetras?
They are opportunistic omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed high-quality tropical flakes or micro-pellets twice daily, supplemented with frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and cyclops. Offer spirulina flakes or blanched spinach twice weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin but sensitive to malachite green at high doses; use half-strength for ich. Praziquantel is safe for flukes. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days.
How to breed Bloodfin Tetras in a home aquarium?
Select 8-10 mature fish (9-12 months old) and condition with live blackworms and baby brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of RO water (pH 6.5, 4 dGH, 75°F/24°C), a spawning mop, and dim lighting. Simulate dawn with gradual light increase over 30 minutes. Spawning occurs in the morning; female releases 300-500 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry are 0.08 inches (2 mm); feed infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 7. Keep tank dark for first 5 days.

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