The bleeding heart tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is a freshwater tropical fish native to the Upper Amazon River basin.[2][3] It grows to the size of 2.5 in (64 mm) and lives for around five years.
| Bleeding heart tetra | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Hyphessobrycon |
| Species: | H. erythrostigma
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma (Fowler, 1943)
| |
Sexing edit
The female is more full bodied and the male has a larger dorsal fin, whereas the male is distinguished by longer extended dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal fin is elongated into a sickle shape that arches to the length of the tail base. The female has a shorter rounded fin.
Breeding in captivity edit
This egg-laying fish has been bred successfully, with difficulty, in captivity.[2]
Appearance edit
The dorsal fin and anal fin of the males can become long and flowing.[2] Both sexes have the eye-catching blood-red spot in the pectoral area. Both also have the black and white patch on the dorsal fin.
Aquarium care edit
A group of 6 fishes will feel comfortable in a 15-gallon tank, but a bigger tank (preferably 30 gallons) and more fishes are recommended.
According to the Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, it prefers water of 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) that is soft (50-100 mg/L) and acidic (pH 5.6-6.9), and a diet of prepared foods and small live foods.[2] It is recommended that peat be added to the filter to help keep the water conditions suitable for it.[2]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Lima, F. (2023). "Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023: e.T49830743A159677373. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T49830743A159677373.en. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Alderton, David (2019). Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (3rd ed.). United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-2413-6424-6.
- ^ Moreau, Marie-Annick; Coomes, Oliver T. (March 2007). "Aquarium fish exploitation in western Amazonia: conservation issues in Peru". Environmental Conservation. 34 (1): 12–22. Bibcode:2007EnvCo..34...12M. doi:10.1017/S0376892907003566. ISSN 0376-8929. S2CID 86621995.
