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The bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a species of characin from the Paraná River basin in South America. The bloodfin is a relatively large tetra, growing to 5.5 cm. Its notable feature (as the name suggest) is the blood red colouration at the tail, dorsal, anal and adipose fin.

Bloodfin tetras are extremely hardy, making them popular with novice fish keepers.

Appearance

Bloodfin tetras can be recognized because of their colorful fins. The fins of this fish are red in color while the body is silver in color.

Aquarium care

Bloodfin tetras are typically kept in schools of five or more.

They swim mainly in the upper and middle water layers and are highly sociable fishes, mixing well with other types of tetra and tropical fish in general, and so are therefore well suited (like many other tetras) to a community tank. However, they will tend to nip at the fins of fish with long, wavy fins, such as angelfishes or guppies.

Bloodfin tetras have also been kept in cold-water tanks, providing the temperature does not drop below room temperature. They thrive quite happily in temperatures ranging from 64–83 degrees Fahrenheit. Bloodfin tetras are long-lived, and often live ten years.^{[citation needed]}

Bloodfin tetras are frequently displayed in the aquarium with subdued lighting and a dark substrate, showing off the fish's colours. Turning aquarium lights on and off tends to cause these fish to dart around frantically, but they settle down shortly after.

Water quality

Tetras are adapted to soft, slightly acidic water, and soft water is essential for breeding. Bloodfin tetras can adapt to many water conditions in captivity, if the tap water is dechlorinated.

Feeding

Most tropical flake foods are used by hobbyists to feed these fish, although regular feeding of live foods maintain the bloodfin tetra's beautiful metallic sheen. Hobbyists recommend, as a general rule, feeding the fish as much as they can eat in 5 minutes, once a day.

Breeding

At the time of spawning the fish leaps above the water surface and leaves its egg in the water. The eggs, being heavy, fall to the floor of the tank or water body. The female deposits 300–500 eggs.

See also

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species