Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Bloodfin Tetra - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Bloodfin Tetra at a glance
Adult size: 2 inches · Min tank/pond: 20 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 5-10 years.
Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Bloodfin Tetra comes from
Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Bloodfin Tetra tank size and setup
Bloodfin Tetra requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 2 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Bloodfin Tetra
Bloodfin Tetra prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Bloodfin Tetra eats
Bloodfin Tetra is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Bloodfin Tetra tankmates and compatibility
Bloodfin Tetra works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Bloodfin Tetra adult size and lifespan
Bloodfin Tetra reaches 2 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care.
Can you breed Bloodfin Tetra?
Bloodfin Tetra can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Bloodfin Tetra diseases and problems
Bloodfin Tetra is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Bloodfin Tetra for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Bloodfin Tetra online
Bloodfin Tetra is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Bloodfin Tetra from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Bloodfin Tetra taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.