
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megalamphodus erythrostigma
A medium-sized characin named for the red blood spot on its pale pink flank, with long extended dorsal fins in males. It needs settled water and a larger tank than the small tetras.
Megalamphodus erythrostigma is a characin from the upper Amazon basin. FishBase gives 6.1cm SL, pH 5.6-7.2, up to 12 dH and 23-28C, while Seriously Fish gives 21-28C, pH 4.0-7.5, 1-12 dGH and a base of at least 90 by 30cm, about 81 litres. The name comes from the red spot on the middle of the flank. Males grow larger and more intensely coloured than females, with the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins drawn out into filaments. Stomach contents of wild fish are dominated by fruit, followed by aquatic insects. It is peaceful in the aquarium, though mature males are territorial to a degree towards similarly shaped fish. It does poorly in newly set-up tanks and with swings in water quality, so a settled environment decides whether it lives long.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bleeding Heart Tetra lives 5-7 years.
The Bleeding Heart Tetra grows to About 6cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Bleeding Heart Tetra is 21〜28℃.
Origin
South America (upper Amazon River basin)
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Megalamphodus erythrostigma (Fowler, 1943)
Synonyms: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
About 6cm SL
Temperature
21〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 90 by 30cm, about 81 litres. It does badly in newly set-up tanks, so add it once biological filtration is established. Driftwood and floating plants for shade help it settle.
Seriously Fish gives 21-28C, pH 4.0-7.5 and 1-12 dGH; FishBase gives pH 5.6-7.2 and 23-28C. It prefers soft acidic water and reacts badly to sudden changes, so change water in small amounts.
Generally peaceful and suited to similarly sized characins, Corydoras, small loricariids and non-predatory medium cichlids. A mixed-sex group of eight to ten or more brings out male display and better colour.
An opportunistic omnivore in the wild, mostly fruit and aquatic insects. It takes dried food well in the aquarium, but regular frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp improve colour and condition.
An egg scatterer with no parental care; Seriously Fish records little beyond that. As with other characins, use a dimly lit separate tank of soft water with a spawning medium and return the adults afterwards.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It has a reputation for whitespot and fungus, but the usual cause is unstable or immature water, so a settled tank is the best prevention.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Bleeding Heart Tetra is 21〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Bleeding Heart Tetra is 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Bleeding Heart Tetra typically reaches About 6cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Bleeding Heart Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bleeding Heart Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026