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.
Bloodfin Tetra Water Parameters
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.
Who Bloodfin Tetra Is Actually For
Bloodfin Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Bloodfin Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
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
Show 17 more tank sizes
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.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 2, 2026
- Last updated
- May 2, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cheeked Goby
Rhinogobius duospilus
Ideal Tank MatesShovelnose Sturgeon
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Ideal Tank MatesReticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
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
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Prionobrama filigera
A highly active, schooling characin characterized by its translucent body and striking blood-red anal fin. They are peaceful but exceptionally fast-moving, requiring plenty of open horizontal swimming space in the upper levels of the aquarium. They are known to be skilled jumpers, making a tight-fitting lid mandatory.
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.
Red Eye Tetra
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
The Red Eye Tetra is a hardy, active schooling fish recognizable by the bright red upper half of its eye and a striking black and yellow band at the base of its tail. As a robust and highly adaptable species, it is excellent for beginners. However, they are highly active and can become 'fin nippers' if kept in groups smaller than 6 or in confined spaces.
Green Fire Tetra
Aphyocharax rathbuni
The Green Fire Tetra is a lively, schooling fish originating from South America. They are characterized by their metallic green bodies and a striking red coloration on their lower flanks and anal fins. They are generally peaceful but highly active, requiring plenty of swimming space and a group of conspecifics to feel secure and display their best colors.
Rosy Finned Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra known for its reddish-pink hue and striking dorsal fin, which features a prominent black patch and white tip. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in heavily planted tanks with slightly acidic, soft water. Males frequently engage in harmless mock-battles by flaring their fins to establish hierarchy.
Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nana
The Silvertip Tetra is an energetic, hardy schooling fish native to the blackwater creeks of Brazil. Uniquely for tetras, they lack an adipose fin. Males are a striking deep copper/gold, while females are paler yellow, but both feature the eponymous bright silver-white tips on their fins. They are extremely active, boisterous swimmers and can be prone to fin-nipping if kept in too small a group or with slow-moving tank mates.