Bloodfin tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Wide distribution in the Rio Paraná basin (southern Brazil, Argentina). Thrives in flooded alluvial plains, cold streams with moderate current, rich in shadows created by dense vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi). Fascinating small Characin of incredible agility. "Bullet" body, long and thin, made to make quick horizontal dashes in schools.

Social Behavior: Lively schooling fish in all respects. A group of less than 8 individuals leads to isolation and extreme shyness. When in a school, it darts in the mid-upper levels compacting immediately at the first alarm signal.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Essential and stunning style: metallic silver almost diaphanous body, abruptly interrupted by fiery blood red anal and caudal fins ("Bloodfin"). Females are slightly more swollen at the belly, males possess a microscopic imperceptible anal bristle.

Aquarium Setup: Long tank (at least 80-100 cm / 32-40 inches). It is the perfect species for the cold water aquarium without an internal heater. Plants must line the sides and the back so as not to hinder the central swimming space. Absolutely cover the tank (they jump!).

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore and greedy. Accepts dry foods right away (flakes and microgranules), but the blood red color will fade without a strong support of live or freeze-dried brine shrimp and tubifex to increase carotenoids.

Water Quality: Indestructible. Tolerant to an immense range of temperatures (lives serenely even at 18°C / 64°F) and hardnesses (up to 25 GH). Preferable not to keep them at Discus temperatures (30°C / 86°F) as it dramatically shortens their life expectancy.

Compatibility and Tankmates: They represent a wonderful alternative to Cardinal Tetras in "Amazon-like" layouts at milder temperatures. Can be paired with "cold" Corydoras (C. paleatus, C. aeneus), Otocinclus, and small peaceful Cichlids (Gymnogeophagus).

Aquarium Reproduction: Relatively easy among Tetras. One morning, the gravid females alongside the males dart into the dense vegetation scattering up to 300 transparent, non-adhesive eggs. Remove the parents instantly to prevent them from eating the eggs.

Risks and Diseases: The lack of straight space results in lethargy. They can contract Ich in case of heavy untreated temperature changes, although their baseline resistance is superior to that of 90% of other tropical characins.