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.
Glass Bloodfin Tetra At a Glance
Glass Bloodfin Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Glass Bloodfin Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Glass Bloodfin Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Glass Bloodfin Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Glass Bloodfin Tetra Water Parameters
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Glass Bloodfin Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Glass Bloodfin Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the hobby. Males often display slightly more intense red in the fins and a white ray on the anal fin, but both sexes require identical care. Must be kept in schools of at least 6 (ideally 10+) to reduce stress and prevent fin-nipping out of boredom.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Glass Bloodfin Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra, scientifically known as Prionobrama filigera, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.8 and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Glass Bloodfin Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Glass 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 floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Glass Bloodfin Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Glass 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, 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.
Glass Bloodfin Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Glass 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra
How big does Glass Bloodfin Tetra get?
Glass Bloodfin Tetra (Prionobrama filigera) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Glass Bloodfin Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?
Glass Bloodfin Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Glass Bloodfin Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Glass Bloodfin Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Glass Bloodfin Tetra should be kept together?
Glass 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Glass Bloodfin Tetra benefits from plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Glass Bloodfin Tetra need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Glass 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Glass Bloodfin Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Hillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesDainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesIncolicana Corydoras
Corydoras incolicana
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Glass Bloodfin Tetra
These plants pair well with Glass Bloodfin Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
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.
Penguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
An active schooling characin instantly recognizable by its bold black horizontal stripe that extends down into the lower half of the tail fin, and its unique, oblique (head-up) swimming posture. They are hardy and do well in community tanks, but must be kept in groups to prevent stress and fin-nipping behavior towards tank mates.
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.
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.
Head and Tail Light Tetra
Hemigrammus ocellifer
A peaceful, schooling characin named for the reflective copper/gold spots on its head and the base of its tail. These 'lights' evolved to help the school stay together in the dark, tannin-stained waters of the Amazon basin. They are hardy, active, and make excellent community fish for planted aquariums.
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus bleheri
One of the tightest schooling fish in the aquarium hobby, known for their striking bright red faces and black-and-white horizontally striped tail fins. They are highly active and need plenty of horizontal swimming space. The intensity of their red 'nose' serves as an excellent biological indicator of water quality and stress; it fades significantly if water parameters drop or they feel insecure.