Can Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 132 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Bleeding Heart Tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Forktail Blue-eye

Pseudomugil furcatus

🐠Family Group
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Characins
Forktail Blue-eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Peaceful (2/10)
Forktail Blue-eye
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bleeding Heart Tetra
22–28°C
Forktail Blue-eye
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bleeding Heart Tetra
5.5–7.2
Forktail Blue-eye
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bleeding Heart Tetra
2–15
Forktail Blue-eye
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Freshwater Only
Forktail Blue-eye
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Moderate
Forktail Blue-eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Bleeding Heart Tetra
110 L
Forktail Blue-eye
55 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Middle
Forktail Blue-eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin Nipper
Forktail Blue-eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Forktail Blue-eye is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.2. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye live together?

Yes. Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye need?

A minimum of 132 litres (tank length at least 80 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Bleeding Heart Tetra or Forktail Blue-eye aggressive?

Bleeding Heart Tetra is peaceful (2/10) and Forktail Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bleeding Heart Tetra and Forktail Blue-eye need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.2 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Bleeding Heart Tetra nip Forktail Blue-eye's fins?

Bleeding Heart Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Forktail Blue-eye has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Bleeding Heart Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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