Hyphessobrycon Pyrrhonotus flame back bleeding heart tetra

The Redback Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) is a colorful and peaceful freshwater fish native to South America, particularly the Amazon River basin. Keeping them can be a rewarding experience, as they are known for their stunning appearance and active nature. Here are some key considerations when keeping them:

1. Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A 20-gallon tank is a good starting size for a small group of Redback Bleeding Heart Tetras. They are active swimmers, so more space is beneficial.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75-82F (24-28C)
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0-7.0
  • Hardness: Soft to medium water (4-15 dGH)
• Filtration: Ensure proper filtration to maintain water quality, as these fish prefer clean, well-oxygenated water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. They thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots provided by plants, rocks, and driftwood.

2. Diet

• Redback Bleeding Heart Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Offer a mix of high-quality flake or pellet food, along with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• They also enjoy plant matter, so provide blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach as a supplement.

3. Behavior and Compatibility

• These tetras are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.
• Good tankmates include other tetras, rasboras, guppies, and small catfish.
• Avoid larger, aggressive fish that may intimidate or harm them.
• They are best kept in schools of 6 or more, as this helps reduce stress and allows them to display their natural schooling behavior.

4. Breeding

• Redback Bleeding Heart Tetras are egg layers, but breeding in captivity can be a bit challenging.
• If you want to breed them, set up a separate breeding tank with a spawning mop or fine-leaved plants where the females can lay eggs.
• After spawning, remove the adults as they may eat the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 24-48 hours, and the fry will begin swimming after 3-4 days. Feed them with infusoria or powdered fry food initially.

5. Health Considerations

• Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) will help keep them healthy.
• Watch for signs of stress or illness, such as faded colors, loss of appetite, or abnormal swimming behavior, which could indicate water quality issues or disease.
• A well-maintained tank with stable water parameters is key to preventing health problems.