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Bleeding Heart Tetra
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Origin
South America
Habitat Size
50-150 Liters
Water Type
Fresh Water
Water Temperature
24º-28ºC
Cost in India
₹80 - ₹150
Size
2 - 2.5 inches (Small)
Diet
Omnivore
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025
Bleeding Heart Tetra Fish Guide
The Bleeding Heart Tetra is a small, pretty freshwater fish with a pale pink-beige body and a bright red spot near its side that looks like a tiny “bleeding heart.” It is loved by hobbyists because of its gentle looks and calm behavior, and it becomes more beautiful when kept in groups.
Origin
- Native area: Upper Amazon basin in South America (the river areas where Brazil, Peru, and Colombia meet).
Bleeding Heart Tetra Temperament
- Peaceful and calm
- Social — it prefers to live in groups of 5 or more (shoals)
Compatibility
Good tankmates:
- Other peaceful, medium-sized community fish, such as:
- Angelfish
- Eartheaters
- Rasboras
- Larger tetras
- Calm gouramis
- Peaceful corydoras
Avoid:
- Very small fishes that can be nipped such as guppies or very large, aggressive predators.
Bleeding Heart Tetra Price Range
- Typical estimate in India: ₹150 – ₹500 per fish (depends on size and availability)
- Rare or imported specimens cost more
Characteristics
Temperament
Aggressive
Friendly
Compatibility with other fishes
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Habitat Size
Small
Large
Bleeding Heart Tetra Habitat Requirements
Initial Setup Cost
₹4,000 - ₹12,000
Water Temperature
24º -28ºC
Water Type
Fresh Water
PH Level
6 - 7.5
Bleeding Heart Tetra Tank Type
- Freshwater (tropical)
Aquarium Size
Minimum tank
- 60–80 cm long (roughly 40–75 liters) for a small shoal
- Bigger is better because they like to swim in groups
Bleeding Heart Tetra Water Conditions
- Temperature range: 23–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH level: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic water)
- Water hardness: 12 degrees, soft to moderately soft water
Environment Needs
Essential Equipment
Aquarium tank
Water filter
Heater
Light
Substrate
Bleeding Heart Tetra Nutritional Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹80 - ₹ 150
Bleeding Heart Tetra Diet Type
Suitable Foods
- High-quality flakes or micro-pellets made for tetras
- Live or frozen treats:
- Daphnia
- Brine shrimp
- Bloodworms (small amounts)
- Occasionally, tiny vegetable pieces or algae wafers
Bleeding Heart Tetra Feeding Frequency & Tips
- Feed once or twice a day a small amount they can finish in 1–2 minutes
- Give a varied diet so they get all nutrients
- Overfeeding makes water dirty, so remove uneaten food quickly
Bleeding Heart Tetra Health & Care
Common Health Issues
Fin rot
White spot / ick
Columnaris (cotton wool-like growth on the skin)
Velvet disease (yellowish-brown spots on the skin)
Bacterial infections
Parasitic infections
Signs of good health
Active
Good apetite
Bright coloration
Signs of sickness
Loss of appetite
Lethargic behaviour
Dull coloring
White growths
Reduced activity
Bleeding Heart Tetras are generally hardy when kept in good water and a calm tank. But like all fish, they can get illnesses if the water is dirty, the temperature changes a lot, or they are stressed. Watching them daily helps catch problems early.
Ich (White Spot Disease)
A common parasite that shows tiny white dots on the fish’s body and fins. Fish may scratch on objects and breathe fast. To cure that, slowly raise temperature a bit (only if tankmates allow), use a reliable anti-Ich medicine, and do water changes to keep water clean. Quarantine sick fish if possible.
Fin rot
Fins look ragged, frayed, or have a dark edge. Often caused by poor water or injuries. To cure that, improve water quality. Also, partially change water and treat with a broad-spectrum antibiotic or an antibacterial fish medication as instructed.
External parasites / gill parasites
Affected fish may be seen breathing rapidly, sluggish and also with fins held tightly against the body. Treatment includes fixing water quality. Salt baths are useful if right for the species. Anti-parasitic medications remain another option. Consult a vet or fish expert for more information.
Bleeding Heart Tetra General Health Tips
- Keep water clean with regular partial exchanges (for example, 20–30% weekly)
- Avoid sudden temperature or pH shifts
- Quarantine new fish for 2–3 weeks before adding to the main tank to prevent disease spread
- Feed a varied diet and don’t overfeed
Prerequisites for a Fish
Adequate tank space
Cleanliness
Effort & commitment
Enriching Environment
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What water conditions are best for Bleeding Heart Tetra?
They prefer a water temperature of 24°C to 28°C and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for their health.
How long do Bleeding Heart Tetras live?
They typically live for 5-8 years with proper care, including a suitable environment and a balanced diet.
What kind of habitat setup is best for Bleeding Heart Tetra?
A well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and a dark substrate mimics their natural habitat and helps reduce stress.