Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
bleeding heart tetra

Bleeding heart tetras are native to the neotropical region. The distribution is described as the Upper Amazon River basin. Bleeding heart tetras are found in the Rio Negro of Brazil as well as other regional rivers. Aquarists have known about this species since 1943 and they have since become a popular aquarium fish. (Fowler, 1943; Weitzman, 1977)

The native habitat of Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma is inland, tropical freshwater rivers and streams, including the Amazon, Rio Negro, and other rivers. These fish are commonly found in small creeks and river bends where vegetation is dense. (Butler, 2006; Evans, 2006; Fowler, 1943; Sharpe, 2006)

The disc-shaped body of bleeding heart tetras is strongly compressed and relatively deep in males and females. Male body length ranges from 29.1 to 60.6 mm (n=6), female body length ranges from 29.0 to 53.3 mm (n=7). Males and females also differ somewhat in color and fin characteristics. (Butler, 2006; Sterba, 1963; Weitzman, 1977)

Dorsally, bleeding heart tetras are a delicate shade of grey-green to brown but with a light red bloom. A reddish silver color shades the bottom half of the body while the throat and belly region are orange. They bear a vivid red mark resembling a heart behind their gill cover, giving them their common name. Males are known for having more color and elaborate fins. Dorsal fins of males are sickle-shaped, longer, and more pointed whereas dorsal fins of females are shorter with a rounded tip. Dorsal fins in both males and females are black, pink, purple, and white. Males have a longer anal fin that is white in color. The anal fins of females are shorter and not as white. Other fins are pink to grey in color. As bleeding heart tetras age they develop a more pronounced arch to their spine. (Butler, 2006; Sterba, 1963; Weitzman, 1977)

After the eggs are laid they hatch after 30 hours. Once they have hatched, it is five to six days until the fry are able to swim freely. (Evans, 2006)

Information regarding the lifespan of bleeding heart tetras in the wild is not available. The usual lifespan for this species in aquarium habitats is about three years but they have been known to live as long as five years. (Sharpe, 2006; Sterba, 1963)

Bleeding heart tetras, in the aquarium environment, do best in small schools of at least five individuals. Their peaceful demeanor makes an environment composed of larger groups possible without conflict. There is otherwise very little known about the behavior of these fish in the wild. (Butler, 2006; Evans, 2006; Fowler, 1943)

Home Range

There is no information on home range size in bleeding heart tetras.

No information was available regarding communication in bleeding heart tetras. Their coloration suggests they may use vision in communication.

In captivity, bleeding heart tetras eat a variety of foods. It is likely that their wild diet is similar, being made up of small crustaceans, insects, zooplankton, and other organic matter. (Evans, 2006; Fowler, 1943; Sharpe, 2006)

There is a lack of information on predation of Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma in their natural habitat because of their popularity in aquaria. (Butler, 2006)

Bleeding heart tetras probably act as important prey for larger fish and other small, aquatic predators in the ecosystems they inhabit. They are also predators of small invertebrates and plankton.

There are no known adverse effects of bleeding heart tetras on humans.

Since 1943 bleeding heart tetras have been a part of the pet industry as an aquarium fish. Most people find bleeding heart tetras desirable because of their peaceful nature and striking colors. (Butler, 2006; Weitzman, 1977)

Bleeding heart tetras are presumed to be stable in the wild, although population status and natural history of wild populations is poorly known.

Bleeding heart tetras are also known by the scientific names Hyphessobrycon rubrostigma and H. callistus rubrostigma. They also are referred to by the common name spotfin tetras. (Butler, 2006; Sharpe, 2006)

Bleeding heart tetras are sensitive to water pollutants and susceptible to diseases like velvet disease and “Ich.” (Butler, 2006)