Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

These wild-harvested Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) are iconic characins from the western Amazon Basin. Its signature feature is the vivid blood red spot set high on each flank, a chromatophore rich marking that intensifies as the fish matures and settles into stable water conditions. The species is native to slow moving blackwater and clearwater tributaries where dissolved organics soften the pH and fine leaf litter creates diffuse light. Wild caught specimens from the Tres Fronteras region occupy a special place in the aquarium trade because this zone sits at the hydrological intersection of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. This convergence supports remarkable genetic breadth in many characin species, and the Bleeding Heart Tetra is a prime example. These fish exhibit deep body profiles, saturated pigmentation, and highly expressive schooling behavior that aquarists rarely see in farmed stock.

For aquarists who value authenticity, these wild collected individuals offer the closest possible link to the ecological rhythms of the western Amazon. Their sensory biology has evolved around tannin rich water with low conductivity, and they demonstrate pronounced comfort in environments that replicate these parameters. Soft water, stable temperature, botanical cover, and subdued illumination encourage natural color display and fluid coordination within the school. Unlike mass produced fish, which can lose structural nuance over generations, these wild fish retain the full suite of ancestral traits that make the species so distinctive. The gentle iridescence along the dorsal surface, the subtle but noticeable shimmer of the lateral scales, and the responsive movement patterns during feeding and exploration all point to the sophistication of an organism shaped by true riverine conditions. For keepers who maintain South American biotope aquaria, these fish deliver unmatched authenticity and create a visual anchor point that draws the entire scape together.

From a sales perspective, these specimens are ideal for anyone who wants a centerpiece schooling tetra that is peaceful, hardy when acclimated correctly, and visually unforgettable. Their size, usually reaching five to six centimeters in maturity, makes them perfect for medium to large aquariums where group dynamics can unfold naturally. They coexist well with dwarf cichlids, peaceful catfish, and other small characins, and their vibrant flank marking provides a constant point of visual interest without overwhelming the aquascape. Customers who secure these wild Bleeding Heart Tetras now will be obtaining fish that display superior coloration, stronger pattern definition, and more charismatic behavior than any tank raised alternative. Demand is always high when wild shipments from Tres Fronteras arrive, and availability is frequently limited. Anyone seeking a rare opportunity to introduce true Amazon lineage into a display should consider acting promptly, since these fish consistently become customer favorites due to their remarkable appearance and their calm, appealing presence in the aquarium. These fish do not ship individually bagged.

Common Name:  Bleeding Heart Tetra
Scientific Name:  Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Country of Import:  Brazil
Prophylactic Treatment:  Erythromycin / Ich-X / Metro
Approximate Current Size:  2.5″ – 2.85″ (XL)
Temp/pH/TDS:  75F / 6.5 pH / 80

Please be aware that all fish are sold on a BUY THIS WEEK, SHIP NEXT WEEK basis, and fish are shipped only on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekly shipping cutoff is EVERY SATURDAY at 12 Noon Pacific US Time. All fish are shipped via Overnight Air/Next Day Air. Minimum order is $50.00 (excluding shipping) and all orders to the lower 48 US States qualify for FLAT RATE $60.00 shipping via Overnight Air/Next Day Air. Hawaii and Alaska State Residents: Please contact us if you would like to purchase Live Animals for delivery.

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