A good choice for a community of larger fish, this deep-bodied tetra combines well with peaceful cichlids or tankmates which would eat smaller species
Overview
Synonyms
None
Distribution
Rio Negro Basin, Brazil.
Maximum Size
6cm (2.4")
Temperature
24-27°C
Water Parameters
Soft and acidic. pH: 5.5-6.8, dH: up to 8 degrees.
Compatibility
Community with no long-finned fish
Lighting
Low
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have elongated dorsal & anal fins. Mature females are fuller bodied.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Redback Bleeding Heart Tetra is a much rarer find than its close relation the Bleeding Heart Tetra (H. erythrostigma). Red Backs, as the name suggests, are far more colourful and are highly sought after for densely planted softwater aquaria. The tank must be well-matured, and we suggest peat filtration for successful long-term maintenance of this blackwater species. Ideally, the aquarium should be darkly furnished, with plenty of bogwood and areas of dense planting to replicate the natural habitat of these fish as closely as possible. Red Back Bleeding Heart Tetras are a shoaling species and do best in large groups; six specimens would be considered the absolute minimum. In larger groups you are more likely to observe the outstanding harmless natural displays between rival males, their dazzling colours intensifying further. These fish are generally of a peaceful disposition and mix well with fish of similar size and temperament. They can be quite easily bullied, so ensure that they are not housed with boisterous species. It is not advisable to keep Redback Bleeding Heart Tetras alongside fancy long-finned species, as sometimes the elaborate finnage can prove too much of a temptation. Good tankmates could include Corydoras catfish, dwarf cichlids, and smaller Loricariids. May also be seen on sale as Flameback Bleeding Heart Tetra.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp and daphnia.
Breeding
Unreported. Likely to require a similar approach to the breeding of Bleeding Heart Tetras (H. erythrostigma), which can be rather challenging.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here