Species name: Hyphessobrycon Erythrostigma
Common names: Bleeding Heart Tetra
Family: Characidae
Subfamily: Incertae sedis
Order: Characiformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Maximum length: 2.4 in
Minimum tank size: 25 gallon
Hardiness: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Distribution: Upper Amazon River basin in Peru, Brazil and Columbia
Diet: Omnivore. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and plants.

Additional information:
The Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon Erythrostigma) can be found in the upper part of the Amazon basin in Peru, Brazil and Columbia, where it inhabits densely vegetated rivers and streams. The presence of all this vegetation does, however, have an effect on the quality of the water in these areas by making it rather acidic and brown in colour. Although this species of fish originates from such a specialised environment, most of the fish that are offered for sale are generally captive bred and will thrive in almost any well-maintained tank – providing that it is not too well lit or lacking in an array of appropriate plants. A heavily planted tank or Amazonian biotope setup can, on the other hand, help to highlight the striking colours of this beautiful fish.
The Bleeding Heart Tetra is part of the Characidae family and has a silver/white body with pink markings. The dorsal fin displays a prominent black patch, and the rest of the fins are edged with black and white. There is also a small red dot on either side of the fish’s body which is thought to resemble a heart. Adult males are less stocky and more colourful than females, but when they are young their colours are not so obvious. These fish can eventually grow to around 3” (7.5cm) in length.
Bleeding Hearts are peaceful community fish that get on particularly well with other South American Tetras. It is best to keep a small group of approximately six or eight Bleeding Hearts in a tank size of approximately 25 gallon. The temperature should be kept between 73°F – 82°F (23°C – 28°C) at a ph of 5.5 – 7.2. Aquatic plants are not necessary for this species as they do not feature in their natural habitat.
A separate tank will be required for spawning, and this should contain plants, such as java moss, for the fish to lay their eggs on. Alternatively, a piece of mesh can be placed in the bottom of the tank to allow the eggs to drop safely through away from the adult fish; otherwise they would almost certainly be devoured. The eggs usually hatch in around 24 – 36 hours, and the fry should be swimming freely 3 – 4 days later. The tank conditions should be kept more or less the same as those of the main tank.
Bleeding hearts enjoy a variety of different foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, blood worm, and flakes. A good balanced diet is particularly important, as it can help to enhance the beautiful colours of the fish. The fry should be fed on an infusoria-type food initially, until they have grown big enough to accept such food as brine shrimp. The eggs and fry of this species are particularly sensitive to light and will thrive best when kept in darkness during the early stages. If well cared for, the Bleeding Heart Tetra can live for about three to five years.

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Article written by www.aquariumslife.com
References: fishlore.com, Seriouslyfish.com, Fishbase.com

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