Bloodfin Tetra

Bloodfin Tetra key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Captive fish are known to pass ten years

Size

About 5.5cm

Temperature

18〜28℃

Diet

Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 30cm, about 54 litres at 30cm depth. Give it dense planting alongside open water to swim in. It uses the upper layer, so floating plants help it settle, and because it jumps the cover must close tightly.

Water Temperature & Quality

Both Seriously Fish and FishBase give 18-28C and pH 6.0-8.0; hardness is 3-25 dGH in Seriously Fish and up to 30 dH in FishBase. In a well-insulated house it can be kept unheated, though the colour dulls in cooler water.

Tank Mates

Peaceful enough, though it may nip a little at long-finned or slow-moving tank mates. It suits characins of similar size, Corydoras and small loricariids. It is a shoaling fish, so always keep six or more.

Diet & Feeding

FishBase records worms, small insects and crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium, base the diet on dried food and mix in frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. It feeds in the upper layer, so do not rely on sinking foods.

Breeding & Spawning

Use a small separate tank with fine-leaved plants such as java moss as the spawning medium; the water parameters are not critical. Condition the sexes apart on frozen and live foods, then move the fullest female and best-coloured male across, and they usually spawn the following morning. The eggs are not adhesive, so many fall through the plants or float. Males are slimmer than females and develop small hooks on the pelvic and anal fin rays as they mature.

Health & Notes

FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It is hardy and suits beginners, but its long life means a long commitment to water management. Jumping is the commonest accident, so close every gap in the cover.

About Bloodfin Tetra

Bloodfin Tetra: a hardy, beginner-friendly characin known for its vivid red fins. Learn about its care, temperament, and lifespan of over a decade in some cases.

7 things to know before welcoming a Bloodfin Tetra

1. 1Shoaling brings out its beauty

   Bloodfin Tetras are natural shoaling fish, and keeping several together really shows off the deep red of their fins. They tend to feel more settled and confident swimming in a group than alone.

2. 2Good community fish

   Their calm, non-aggressive temperament makes them easy to combine with many other species. Pairing them with tankmates of a similar size helps keep the tank peaceful.

3. 3Tolerant of water conditions

   This is a hardy fish that copes well with a range of water conditions, part of why it is considered beginner-friendly. That said, sudden changes are still stressful, so water changes should be done gradually.

4. 4Swims the upper-mid levels

   Bloodfin Tetras spend most of their time in the upper to middle water column, so it is worth planning tank decor with that swimming zone in mind. They are also known to jump, so a secure lid is a good idea.

5. 5Grows to about 5.5cm

   Adults reach roughly 5.5cm in length. Even if you are starting with small juveniles, it is worth choosing a tank size that accommodates their full grown size.

6. 6Can live over a decade

   Some individuals are known to live for more than ten years in captivity, making this a long-term commitment. It is worth planning your tank setup and routine with that lifespan in mind.

7. 7Prepare the tank in advance

   Before adding new fish, it is important to let the tank cycle so water parameters are stable. Taking time to properly acclimate new arrivals also helps reduce stress.

Frequently asked questions about Bloodfin Tetra

Q.Is the Bloodfin Tetra suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it is a hardy fish that tolerates a range of water conditions and is generally considered beginner-friendly. With a basic stable tank setup and regular water changes, most new keepers can care for it successfully.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults reach about 5.5cm in length. It is worth planning tank size and tankmates with that eventual size in mind, even if you are starting with smaller juveniles.

Q.How long do they live?

A.Some individuals are known to live for more than a decade in captivity. Actual lifespan varies with the individual fish and its care, but they are popular for how long they can be enjoyed.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Yes, its calm and non-aggressive temperament makes it easy to combine with many other species. Choosing tankmates of a similar size helps keep the tank harmonious.

Q.Where in the tank does it swim?

A.Bloodfin Tetras mostly swim in the upper to middle part of the water column. It is worth keeping that swimming zone in mind when planning your tank layout.

Useful tools for Bloodfin Tetra care

Learn more about Bloodfin Tetra in the encyclopedia

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