An extremely hardy and energetic schooling fish characterized by its silver body and striking bright red fins. As exceptionally active swimmers, they require plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very adaptable to temperature and water parameters, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Must be kept in groups to curb minor fin-nipping tendencies.
Bloodfin Tetra At a Glance
Bloodfin Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Bloodfin Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bloodfin Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bloodfin Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bloodfin Tetra Water Parameters
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Bloodfin Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Bloodfin Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type form found in the hobby. Keeping them in larger schools (8+) significantly reduces their tendency to nip the fins of slower-moving or long-finned tank mates (like Guppies or Bettas).
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Bloodfin Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Bloodfin Tetra, scientifically known as Aphyocharax anisitsi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bloodfin Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Bloodfin Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Bloodfin Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Bloodfin Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bloodfin Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Bloodfin Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bloodfin Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bloodfin Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bloodfin Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bloodfin Tetra
How big does Bloodfin Tetra get?
Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bloodfin Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Bloodfin Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bloodfin Tetra need?
Bloodfin Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Bloodfin Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Bloodfin Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Bloodfin Tetra should be kept together?
Bloodfin Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Bloodfin Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bloodfin Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Bloodfin Tetra need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Bloodfin Tetra is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Bloodfin Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bloodfin Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Dainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesIncolicana Corydoras
Corydoras incolicana
Ideal Tank MatesEmerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesDuplicareus Corydoras
Corydoras duplicareus
Ideal Tank MatesLoxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bloodfin Tetra
These plants pair well with Bloodfin Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Bloodfin Tetra
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
A very hardy, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to South America. They are incredibly popular for beginners but have a reputation as fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. A proper school disperses their internal bickering and largely prevents them from harassing other tank mates.
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
A large, incredibly hardy, and highly active tetra from South America. While they are nearly bulletproof regarding water parameters and great for beginners, they are notorious fin-nippers and voracious plant eaters. They must be kept in larger schools to disperse internal aggression and housed with equally robust, fast-moving tank mates (like larger Barbs or robust Catfish). Do not keep with long-finned fish, slow swimmers, or in delicate aquascapes.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
A relatively large, deep-bodied tetra known for the distinctive bright red spot on its flank resembling a bleeding heart. They are active schoolers that require plenty of swimming space. While generally peaceful, they can become fin-nippers if kept in numbers fewer than 6 or in an undersized aquarium.
Colombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
A larger, deep-bodied tetra known for its striking metallic blue body and bright red fins. They are very active and can be somewhat boisterous. They are known to occasionally nip fins if kept in groups that are too small or in tanks that lack adequate swimming space.