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Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma, also known as the Bleeding Heart Tetra, is an Amazonian characid recognized by the vivid red spot located behind the gill cover. This mark, combined with its silvery body and delicately tinted fins, gives it a distinctive appearance. It is a peaceful, active schooling fish that does best in a group in a well-planted aquarium. The species is collected in the wild and remains fairly common in the aquarium trade, with a rarity rating of 1 out of 3. It is suitable for calm community aquariums when kept in warm, soft and stable water.

General species description

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma is a medium-sized tetra belonging to the Characidae family. It is a schooling fish and displays its natural behavior when kept in groups of at least six, preferably more. Its temperament is generally peaceful and sociable, although males may occasionally chase one another briefly or display their fins. It mainly occupies the middle level of the aquarium and appreciates dense vegetation, roots and shaded areas. Gentle filtration, well-oxygenated water and regular water changes help maintain its coloration and overall condition.

Geographic origin and biotope

The species comes from the western Amazon basin, particularly Peru, in forested areas associated with Amazon tributaries. It inhabits calm or slow-flowing waters often influenced by leaves, branches and roots that have fallen into the water. These environments generally contain warm, soft and slightly acidic water, with light filtered through the riverside forest. In an aquarium, a layout with plants, roots and shaded areas recreates its natural conditions more effectively than a brightly lit tank without cover.

Precise location and local name

In Peru, Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma is associated with Amazonian habitats in the Iquitos region and surrounding areas, including small streams and quiet floodplain waters. The most widely used common name in the international trade is Bleeding Heart Tetra. The name refers directly to the characteristic red mark on the flank. In Quebec fish stores, the English name is often the one most commonly recognized by aquarists.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is relatively deep, laterally compressed and silvery to grayish pink. Its most notable feature is the blood-red spot on the shoulder area, immediately behind the gill cover. The fins may show red shades, while the dorsal fin is often more extended in adult males. Coloration becomes stronger when the fish is healthy, kept in a stable group and maintained in suitable water. Females are usually heavier-bodied and rounder than males.

General diet

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma is an omnivore and readily accepts a varied aquarium diet. It can be offered quality small-sized dry foods, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae. A rich and varied diet helps maintain its red coloration and physical condition. Small portions should be offered once or twice daily, making sure that everything is consumed quickly. Fine foods that remain suspended in the water suit its midwater feeding habits.

Essential data

• Name of the original river: Western Amazon basin, with Peruvian populations associated with tributaries in the Iquitos region
• Local name used: Bleeding Heart Tetra
• Origin of the scientific name: Name established during the species’ taxonomic description
• Full-name etymology: Hyphessobrycon is a genus name formed from Greek elements; erythrostigma means red spot
• Common/vernacular names: Bleeding Heart Tetra, Red-spot Tetra
• Family: Characidae
• Subfamily: Stethaprioninae
• Name pronunciation: hy-fess-oh-BRY-kon - eh-rith-ro-STIG-ma
• Discovery: Henry Weed Fowler, 1943
• Maximum adult size: About 6 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 23 to 28 °C; pH 5.0 to 7.0
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Calm forest waters, filtered light, roots, leaf litter and dense riverside vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Corydoras agassizi, Apistogramma agassizii, Paracheirodon axelrodi
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, schooling, active in groups and primarily found in the middle level
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep sections of tributaries and floodplain habitats
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are often slimmer with a more developed dorsal fin; females are larger and rounder
• Bottom structure and flow: Soft substrate made of sand, silt, leaves and plant debris; slow to moderate current

In your aquarium

To successfully keep Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma, use a mature, covered aquarium furnished with plants, roots and moderate lighting. Keep it in a group of at least six individuals, in warm, soft and stable water. Filtration without excessive current, a varied diet and peaceful tankmates are the main factors for success. Because this is a wild-collected species, gradual acclimation and close attention to water quality are recommended.