Bloodfin tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
The bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is an active South American shoaler with red fins. It mainly uses the upper and middle water layers. Keep at least six in a tank at least 60 cm long and fit a secure lid: this species can jump. Despite being generally robust, it may nip long fins. Choose tankmates for behaviour, adult size and swimming space, not matching water values alone.Choose active fish with intact fins and watch the shoal after acclimation. Gradual adjustment avoids unnecessary change. Consider the combination of energetic swimming, jumping and possible fin-nipping when planning the layout and selecting companions; these practical risks matter even when the fish appear calm at first.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- GH
- 3–25 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 60 cm
- Adult size
- Approximately 5.5 cm
- Group size
- At least 6 individuals
- Temperament
- May nip fins
About this species
The species comes from the Paraná basin. Do not confuse it with the Buenos Aires tetra, Psalidodon anisitsi, a different fish. Adults reach about 5.5 cm, although references use different length conventions, so the figures are not exactly equivalent.
The species may also be sold under older names. Check the scientific name and do not use this guide for another fish with a similar trade name.
Natural habitat
Flowing and sheltered areas are described in rivers and tributaries of the Paraná basin. Do not create strong flow throughout the aquarium. Plants around the margins provide cover while an open centre lets the shoal swim.
The natural range does not require an aquarium to copy one exact current pattern or planting scheme. Let fish choose between open water and cover, and observe whether the group moves normally through the tank.
Aquarium and layout
A length of at least 60 cm gives these active fish useful swimming room. No fixed minimum volume is established. Use a secure lid, open swimming area and calmer refuges. Stocking and layout also affect suitability.
Cover gaps around cables and hoses as well; a lid resting loosely on the rim may not prevent escape. Ensure the filter intake cannot trap small fish and that all individuals retain enough open swimming space.
Water conditions
A specialist profile gives 18–28 °C, pH 6–8 and GH 3–25 °dH. FishBase agrees on temperature and pH but lists higher hardness, so sources differ on GH. Keep water stable and clean; avoid rapid changes to several values at once.
Treat these values as a practical range, not daily targets that need constant correction. A stable aquarium with regular checks is safer than rapid hardness adjustments based on a single reference figure.
Behaviour and group size
This is a shoaling fish; keep six or more. Active fish may trouble slow species and nip long fins. Avoid delicate veil-tailed and long-finned tankmates. After introduction, check fins, feeding and access to shelter; repeated nipping calls for a different mix.
Watch for frayed fin edges, fish that isolate themselves, or individuals unable to reach food. These signs help assess whether a mix works in your tank; a calm first day does not guarantee long-term compatibility.
Feeding
Bloodfin tetras are omnivores. Offer complete prepared food and suitable small live or frozen foods. No reliable exact pellet size is established. Complete tropical flakes can be a staple if readily eaten. Feed small portions and check that every fish can reach them.
Do not increase the ration just because the shoal rushes toward food. Spread portions, check whether particles are spat out, and remove leftovers. Adjust based on actual intake rather than an unsupported fixed amount per fish.
Breeding
The species scatters eggs and provides no care. Adults may eat eggs, so a protected spawning area and separation improve survival. A specialist source reports hatching at around 24 hours in its described conditions, not a universal timetable. Offer tiny first foods such as infusoria once fry swim freely.
A small protected spawning area can keep eggs away from adults. Use a separate breeding setup and prevent strong suction from drawing in eggs or newly hatched fry. Exact results depend on conditions.
Suitable products
Recommended staple foods
Tetramin Bio Active Vlokken Fish food 100 ml
Complete tropical flakes for omnivores. Suitable as a staple when bloodfin tetras eat them readily; offer small portions and rotate with suitable animal foods.
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Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .