Bloodfin tetra - Aphyocharax alburnus

Scientific name: Aphyocharax alburnus

Common name: Bloodfin tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 8 cm (2.36 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 28 °C (68 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Blood fin tetras are omnivore and in their natural habitat feed on crustaceans, and insect larvae. In the aquarium they should be offered a staple diet of flake and small pellet foods, with the addition of live foods 2-3 times per week. They are very fond of blood worm and brine shrimp.

Origin

The blood fin tetra originates from South America, namely Brazil, Paraquay, and all the way to Argentina.

Sexing

Males tend to be more colorful than the females; they also have a more hooked shaped anal fin. The females will have a much plumper body shape than the males.

Breeding

This species of fish are extremely easy to breed, often they will just pair up and breed without the keeper even noticing, if they are in a community tank. To set up a breeding tank, add lots of broad leaved plants for the eggs to disperse into. The female will literally jump out of the water to scatter the eggs around the tank. They have no parental skills whatsoever, so if the fry are to be saved remove the parents or they will definitely remove them. Laying glass beads on the substrate will also allow the eggs to lay underneath for protection.

Lifespan

Blood fin tetras, if cared for properly can live for up to 10 years.

Short description

Aphyocharax alburnus should be kept if groups of at least 6 fish as they are a natural shoaling fish, if kept singly they will become shy and will hide a lot. They are easy to keep but water conditions must be good, being peaceful fish they make a great addition to a community set up.