Bloodfin Tetra
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A wonderful schooling species that can thrive in the home aquarium. JJPhoto.dk
Overview
The Bloodfin Tetra is great schooling fish and a relatively long lived tetra—up to 10 years. Males have a small hook on the anal fin and a more slender body. There are a number of similar species that may be sold under the same common name.
Family: Characidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Aphyocharax anisitsi prefers a tank well planted on the sides and back, leaving lots of open space in the center for swimming.
Maximum length: 5.5 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
Feeding
The Bloodfin Tetra is not particularly finicky and will accept a varied diet of all types of commercial meaty fare, including flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, frozen and live foods.
Aquarium Compatibility
Bloodfin Tetras are extremely active schooling fishes that should be kept in groups of at least four or five. They mix well with most other community tank residents, including barbs and other tetras.
Breeding/Propagation
Bloodfins are egg scatterers and sexually dimorphic, with the males slighty more brilliant in coloration. Breeders report that this fish may leap out of the aquarium at the moment of spawning, letting the eggs fall back into the water. The non-adhesive eggs will drop to the bottom.
Notes
Provide a cover of floating plants to diffuse the lighting, and a dark substrate to best show off their colors. Decorate with driftwood and rocks.