Hyphessobrycon Pyrrhonotus “flame back bleeding heart tetra”

Hyphessobrycon Pyrrhonotus “flame back bleeding heart tetra”

Regular price $10.00

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: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • 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.