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 of the tail, dorsal, anal and adipose fin, while the body is silver in color. Bloodfin tetras are extremely hardy, making them popular with novice fish keepers.
Details
| Type | Tetra |
| Family | Aphyocharacinae |
| Species | Aphyocharax anisitsi |
| Synonyms | |
| Origins | The Paraná River basin in South America |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Can be hard to determine, females may be more full bodied and have less red on the fins. Males are usually stream lined with more red on the fins. |
| Length | 5.0 cm |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Temperature | 21 - 27 deg C |
| Water parameters | pH 6.0 - 8.0, dH 5 - 20 |
Care
The Bloodfin Tetra is a mainstay of the freshwater fish hobby and for good reason. Bloodfin Tetra have silver bodies with an almost greenish hue (depending on the aquarium lighting) and red fins. A great freshwater beginner's fish, the Bloodfin Tetra will to tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Some hobbyists even keep them in cold water tanks or tanks without heaters. They will tolerate a lower temperature than other tropical fish, but use a heater to keep the temperature stable. Avoid widely fluctuating water temperatures that could stress your fish.
The Bloodfin Tetra can get a little skittish at times. Keeping them in a school of 6 or more should limit this behavior and a larger tank with lots of open swimming space will help prevent them from getting injured. They are quite active and should bring lots of activity to a community tank or a tetra tank setup scheme. You may see them nipping at each other from time to time and this is normal behavior amongst the school. It should not be a cause for concern unless it seems to be getting out of hand.Feeding
In the wild they will eat small insects and worms. You should plan on giving them a good flake food as their primary diet but vary it with bloodworms, brine shrimp and other dried or frozen fish treats occasionally.Breeding
Egg layers, they like to have water that is on the acidic side of the pH scale, lower aquarium lighting levels and pre-condition them with high quality foods such as live brine shrimp. The female will place the eggs on wide leaved aquarium plants. You'll need to remove the adults after this or the eggs will quickly disappear. After a few days the eggs should hatch and they fry will feed off their yolk sacs for a few days but then you'll need to give them liquid fry food. After a week or so they should be able to eat baby brine shrimp.
