Flameback bleeding heart tetra
Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus
A rarer, more spectacular version of the classic bleeding heart tetra: the silver-pink body features the characteristic red 'bleeding heart' spot on the flank, but additionally a flaming red iridescence along the back that gives it its name. Native to Brazil's Rio Negro basin, it thrives in the acidic, soft, tannic water typical of blackwater environments. In schools of 6–10 in Amazonian biotope tanks with driftwood, dried leaves and dim lighting, the effect is dramatic and theatrical.
Température de l’eau
24 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Milieu
Taille adulte
5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 75 L
Groupe minimal
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivité
63 - 375 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to a highly restricted region within the upper Rio Negro basin in Amazonas, Brazil, specifically documented in the Rio Ererê. Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus (the Flame-back Bleeding Heart Tetra) is a highly specialized blackwater species. It naturally colonizes deeply shaded, extremely slow-moving or stagnant marginal swamp pools and flooded igapó forests. These pristine environments are defined by intensely tea-colored, acidic water flowing over pure white sand heavily blanketed by decomposing leaf litter and submerged root tangles.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Scientifically classified within the Characidae family, it belongs to the famous "Rosy Tetra" clade within the Hyphessobrycon genus. Taxonomically, its specific name "pyrrhonotus" translates from Greek as "fire-backed," perfectly describing its unique distinguishing feature. Morphologically, it shares the classic Rosy Tetra profile: a deep, laterally compressed, almost disc-like body shape, a small upward-facing mouth, and the characteristic adipose fin.
Social Behavior: They are peaceful, somewhat timid, and obligate schooling fish. Due to the dark, predatory environments they inhabit, their entire social structure relies on the safety of a group. A minimum school of 8-10 individuals is absolutely mandatory; keeping fewer will induce chronic stress, lethargy, and a complete loss of coloration. Within a large school, dominant males will establish loose, temporary mid-water territories, engaging in stunning, rapid-fire sparring displays by flaring their massive dorsal fins.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Sexual dimorphism is distinct in mature adults. Females are deeper-bodied and plumper, possessing shorter, more rounded fins and slightly muted colors. Males develop spectacular, vastly extended, sweeping dorsal and anal fins. The coloration is breathtaking. The base body is a translucent, rosy-peach. Like the standard Bleeding Heart Tetra, it features a vivid crimson spot on the flanks. The defining feature, however, is a blazing, fiery blood-red stripe running continuously along the entire top ridge of the back.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: The aquarium architecture must meticulously replicate a claustrophobic, pitch-black Amazonian blackwater pool. A heavily shaded environment is absolutely mandatory to unlock their blazing red colors. The tank MUST feature dimmed lighting, completely shielded by a thick canopy of floating plants (like Salvinia). The substrate should be soft sand, heavily carpeted with Indian Almond Leaves and extensive bogwood tangles. Bright lights or bare tanks will cause terminal stress and pale coloration.
Diet and Feeding: In their natural blackwater pools, they are highly effective micro-predators, hunting tiny zooplankton, aquatic insect larvae, and microscopic worms among the leaf litter. In captivity, they are unfussy, mid-water feeders that eagerly accept all standard high-quality dry foods. To maintain their spectacular glowing red back and lateral spot, their diet MUST be heavily supplemented with color-enhancing live or frozen foods, particularly Daphnia, Cyclops, and bloodworms.
Water Quality: Originating from the pristine upper Rio Negro, they are extreme blackwater specialists. They demand warm tropical temperatures (24-28°C) and strictly require very soft, highly acidic water (pH 5.0 - 6.5) heavily saturated with botanical humic acids to thrive. They will physically survive in harder, neutral water, but their immune systems will crash and their colors will fade to a dull grey. Because they inhabit stagnant pools, filter flow must be exceptionally gentle and baffled.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: They are excellent, peaceful community fish for specialized blackwater setups. Due to their deep bodies, they are slightly less vulnerable to predation than Neon Tetras. Excellent tankmates include other soft-water characins (Cardinal Tetras, Rummy-nose Tetras), dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma, Rams), and small bottom-dwellers (Corydoras, Otocinclus). You MUST avoid aggressive fin-nippers (like Tiger Barbs) that will ruthlessly shred the males' spectacular flowing dorsal fins.
Aquarium Breeding: Breeding is exceptionally difficult and strictly requires perfect blackwater conditions. They are egg-scatterers. To breed, condition a pair and move them to a completely darkened breeding tank containing water with a pH around 5.5, zero hardness, and large clumps of Java Moss. Following a high-speed courtship, they will scatter hundreds of adhesive eggs. The parents are ravenous egg-eaters and MUST be removed immediately. The eggs are highly light-sensitive.
Risks and Diseases: Physically, they are relatively hardy if kept in large groups in soft water. The absolute greatest risk is keeping them in hard, alkaline tap water. Without the protective, antibacterial properties of blackwater tannins, their slime coat degrades, making them highly susceptible to fungal infections and severe outbreaks of Ich (white spot). They are also prone to stress-induced fin rot if kept with aggressive tankmates or in strong filter currents.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Endemic to a highly restricted region within the upper Rio Negro basin in Amazonas, Brazil, specifically documented in the Rio Ererê. Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus (the Flame-back Bleeding Heart Tetra) is a highly specialized blackwater species. It naturally colonizes deeply shaded, extremely slow-moving or stagnant marginal swamp pools and flooded igapó forests. These pristine environments are defined by intensely tea-colored, acidic water flowing over pure white sand heavily blanketed by decomposing leaf litter and submerged root tangles.
Origine
Amazonie, Orénoque et GuyanesAmérique du NordEurope, Méditerranée et Asie occidentale
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- The Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus is renowned for its peaceful, albeit somewhat shy and timid, temperament. They are highly social fish that absolutely depend on the presence of a sizable school for their confidence and well-being. When kept in sufficient numbers, they exhibit a lively and inquisitive nature, gracefully exploring the aquarium. However, if kept alone or in very small groups, they will likely become withdrawn, pale, and prone to hiding constantly.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- In its natural habitat, the Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus is a micro-predator that primarily feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. In captivity, they eagerly accept a staple diet of high-quality crushed flakes and micro-pellets. To support their overall health and promote optimal development—such as their vibrant red back and the signature 'bleeding heart' spot—their diet should be frequently supplemented with live or frozen foods like Daphnia and cyclops. A diverse nutritional profile is crucial for maintaining a robust immune system.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- School
- When establishing a school of Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus, maintaining a relatively balanced mix of males and females is beneficial. Males generally exhibit a slimmer profile and often display their characteristic reddish upper body more intensely compared to the plumper females. Having slightly more females than males can help dissipate any minor intra-species sparring when males display for dominance. Ultimately, keeping a large enough overall group size is more critical than the exact sex ratio.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- For optimal health, the Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus should be fed small portions two to three times a day. Only offer an amount of food that the school can completely consume within two minutes to prevent water fouling. Overfeeding is a common issue with small characins, so strict portion control must be maintained. This frequent, small-meal approach closely mimics their continuous foraging behavior in the wild.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- The Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus contributes a very low bioload to the aquarium ecosystem due to its small size. This makes them highly suitable for densely planted nano tanks and community setups alike. Despite their low waste production, maintaining a strict schedule of weekly water changes is highly recommended. A standard, high-quality biological filtration system will easily process the minimal waste generated by a healthy school.
- Courant
- Strong
- The Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus naturally inhabits slow-moving streams and flooded forest areas, meaning they prefer gentle water flow in the aquarium. Strong currents from overpowered filters can quickly exhaust these small fish and cause chronic stress. A sponge filter or a baffled hang-on-back filter is usually the most appropriate choice to provide oxygenation without turbulent flow. Providing dense clusters of aquatic plants will also give them tranquil resting spots.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding the Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus requires a separate, dimly lit breeding tank equipped with soft, slightly acidic water. They are typical egg-scatterers that exhibit no parental care whatsoever, and they will readily consume their own eggs if left in the breeding tank. Spawning typically occurs among fine-leaved plants, after which the adults must be immediately removed. The microscopic fry require infusoria or specialized liquid foods until they are large enough to eat freshly hatched brine shrimp.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- As a peaceful schooling species, the Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus thrives when kept in a vibrant community aquarium. They require the security of a group, so maintaining them in schools of at least eight individuals is essential. Excellent tank mates include small rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and other equally peaceful characins. Aggressive, large, or excessively boisterous fish should be strictly avoided to prevent them from becoming stressed or preyed upon.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle
- The Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus is an active swimmer that primarily occupies the mid to upper levels of the aquarium water column. They deeply appreciate having a large, open swimming space in the center of the tank to school properly. They will often dart around the middle strata during the day, occasionally diving to the substrate during feeding times. Tall background plants and floating vegetation help them feel secure in these preferred swimming zones.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2,9 ± 0,3 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01202, b = 3.09
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
Galerie d'images
Images sous licence liées à l'espèce ou, lorsqu'elles sont indiquées, au taxon représentatif le plus proche.
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