In this guide, readers can expect to find Helpful information on topics for Bloodfin Tetra Fish. such as tank setup, water conditions, suitable tankmates for Bloodfin Tetras, Recommended Feeding requirements For Bloodfin Tetras and useful maintenance Tips When Keeping Bloodfin Tetra fish in your aquarium.
The Bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi). They are a small type of freshwater tetra fish that are commonly kept in fish tanks up to 60 Litres Up To 120 Litres. If kept in groups of 20 or more.
In our opinion, the Bloodfin Tetra are one of the most underrated species of tetra fish in the aquarium hobby / community. Due to a lot of other popular Tetras, these freshwater fish don’t get nearly the amount of attention as they deserve.
Bloodfin tetras are native to South America, specifically in the Paraguay and Paraná River areas, which run through Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. They are found in slow-moving rivers and streams that are heavily shaded by the surrounding vegetation.
In the wild, they feed on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter
Feeding And Dietary Requirements For Bloodfin Tetra Fish In Your Aquarium.
Diet & Feeding.
Giving a varied omnivore diet of worms, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods ensures a healthy diet for these fish.
Being relatively active, they need to be fed often, about 2-3 times a day, but avoid overfeeding, as it will cause them to get sick. Any foods they don’t consume will possibly sink to the bottom, so ensure you clean out any rotting food.
Being schooling fish, they’re often found in groups and prefer the upper to mid-layers of water. They are only 2 ¼ inches, slim-bodied, and have beautiful colors, ranging from a subtly toned beige-orange to a more striking translucent silver, with shocking neon hues.
Their most unique characteristic is the stunning red tone on their anal and tail fin, which is how they got their Bloodfin name.
Care Stats Overview.
These statistics will give you an outline of the primary information you need to keep your Bloodfin Tetra thriving and happy.
Tank Size: 20-30 gallon tank
Temperature: 64°F – 82°F
pH: 6.0-8.0
kH: 2-30 DgH
Living Zone: Upper-mid dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Life Span.
Bloodfin Tetras are pretty long-lived fish if given good nutrition, cared for, and provided a good environment. On average, their life will span between 5-8 years, but at their best, they can live over 10 years.
Sexual Dimorphism: Size & Coloration
There aren’t many distinguishing features between Bloodfin Tetra males and females. Older males will show gill glands and hooks on their anal fins, but this isn’t found all the time.
Males will tend to sport a more vibrant red in their anal and tail fin, while females will have a more subtle red and a plumper body size, especially during breeding times.
Bloodfin Tetra Care & Tank Set-Up
Follow the below parameters to ensure that you get your tank in the perfect condition for your Bloodfin Tetras to enjoy.
Tank Size & How Many Can Be Kept Together.
Bloodfin Tetras are schooling fish and like to be in large groups. A tank of about 20 to 30 gallons will cater for about 5 to 7 fish. A bigger tank will always be a safe option as these Tetras are active and like to swim around. Also, with the addition of vegetation and props, you will need a tank big enough to accommodate it all.
The Nitrogen Cycle.
The Nitrogen Cycle is a biological system whereby nitrogen converts into a variety of forms. This natural system is essential because it keeps our ecosystem at an optimum level, necessary for fish to thrive.
Often beginner fish keepers overlook this factor in fish-keeping, known as new tank syndrome, and it can lead to a disaster if it’s skipped.
Fish naturally produce ammonia as a waste byproduct, and bacteria will change this waste into nitrites that will eventually convert to nitrates. Too many nitrates in your aquarium can cause fish to become weak and unhealthy.
To keep on top of nitrate levels, you should make an effort to keep the tank in good condition by changing the water often and wiping away excess algae. This practice will prevent your fish from contracting diseases through parasites.
An easy way to keep the water healthy in your tank is by adding live plants. Live plants will consume the nitrates present in the water for their plant nourishment.
You can also buy an aquarium test kit to keep on top of nitrate levels and then follow these guidelines for its usage.
Water Parameters For Bloodfin Tetra.
Always keep in mind that consistency is vital when it comes to water parameters.
Maintaining stable conditions is more important than getting every measure to the tee. The water parameters below are there to guide you on what Bloodfin Tetras enjoy as their optimum.
Temperature: Bloodfin Tetras do best in temperatures between 64°F – 82°F. This wide temperature range shows that these Tetras can adapt to most conditions. It’s key to remember to maintain a stable temperature, whichever you choose in the temperature range, and stick to it.
pH: Aim to set the pH in your tank between 6.0 to 8.0. Try and keep on top of it by testing the pH levels frequently with a meter to ensure that they’re stable.
kH: Aim to have the water hardness between 2 – 30 dGH.
Hardness: Bloodfin Tetras will be fine in soft and hard water, but their optimum is 2-30 dgh. Adjust water hardness by adding some baking soda to the water; this will increase the hardness. If you find your water needs to be softened, you can use a shower head filter or an electronic water softener.
Tank Set-Up.
Bloodfin Tetras require a tank replicating their natural environments. Begin with selecting a dark sand substrate for the tank bottom. Though these fish are upper to mid dwellers, it’s still essential to have a substrate that reminds them of home.
Dimly light your tank and decorate it with live plants, essential to Bloodfin Tetras as they like their “me-time” and will resort to places for hiding.
You can select both floating plants and static. A few examples that you could use are java moss and narrow leaf anacharis.
Purchase some artificial hideouts or tank props like plastic caves and rocks as additional hideout areas.
Lastly, aim to have slow-moving water as it mimics the habitat Bloodfin Tetras originate from. Also, ensure you have a good lid on top of your tank as they have a reputation for jumping, especially during breeding times.
Other Recommended Freshwater Fish That Are Suitable For Bloodfin Tetra In Your Aquarium.
Behavior & Tank Mate Compatibility.
Bloodfin Tetras are friendly and peaceful fish, which make them perfect additions to a community tank. They’re best in the company of fish with a similar disposition to them.
It’s a good idea to keep Bloodfin Tetras in a group of about 6 as they’re happier with their kind. Avoid keeping angelfish and guppies, though they’re also small, as Bloodfin Tetras have a reputation of nipping at their wavy fins.
Here are 10 different types of tetra fish that you could consider for your aquarium.
Neon Tetra – a popular species with a striking blue and red coloration.
Cardinal Tetra – similar to the Neon Tetra, but with a longer red stripe and a deeper blue color.
Black Neon Tetra – a dark-colored species with a neon blue stripe that glows in the dark.
Ember Tetra – a small, bright red species that is easy to care for and perfect for small aquariums.
Glowlight Tetra – a stunning species with an orange stripe that glows under aquarium lighting.
Lemon Tetra – a bright yellow species that adds a pop of color to any tank.
Green Neon Tetra – a unique species with a green stripe that fluoresces under blue lighting.
Serpae Tetra – a peaceful species with a deep red coloration and black fin tips.
Bleeding Heart Tetra – a colorful species with a bright red spot on its body that resembles a bleeding heart.
Congo Tetra – a larger species with shimmering blue and red scales that can add a beautiful centerpiece to a large aquarium.
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