The Bleeding Heart Tetra comes from Upper Amazon of South America. It was formerly known by the scientific name Hyphessobrycon rubrostigma. The Bleeding Heart has a silver/pink tone to the body and has more height than many tetras. Its distinguishing feature is a red spot on the mid line just forward of the beginning of the dorsal fin – the “heart”. 

The Bleeding Heart is active and will appreciate open swimming areas. It will also appreciate the company of other Bleeding Hearts. The tank should be dimly lit, which can be accomplished through plants and dark substrate. The water should be soft and acidic, with good filtration. They will eat flake foods, tubifex, freeze dried bloodworms and brine shrimp. A varied diet can enhance coloring.

Males have a slightly more concave dorsal fin and females will be larger and broader when ready to spawn. Similar to Black Phantoms, the males will turn darker and dance around each other at unusual angles to establish territories. Breeding in captivity is not documented.

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