Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)
| Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Bleeding Heart Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma |
| Synonym | Hyphessobrycon rubrostigma |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Peru, Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 4-7 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-6 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 120 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.5" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the cherry spotted tetra is the indentations of the upper Amazon in Peru and Brazil. They live in slow-flowing, nutrient-poor blackwater rivers and streams that originate in the humic rainforests and are dark brown in color.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on small insects and larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micro-pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These peaceful schooling fish can be kept very well with other peaceful fish, but also with shrimp in a community tank. They should be kept in a group of at least 8-10 animals. Kept in a group their occasionally quarrelsome behavior remains intraspecific.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are smaller, more colorful, and easily distinguished from females by their elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely from the 5th day. The parents do not engage in brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Sabina Lamboj; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF