Tetra – Glass Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) 3.5cm

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

The Glass Bloodfin Tetra comes from South America in Argentina, Rio Parana. They are found in streams, rivers and tributaries, preferring shaded areas with floating and overhanging vegetation. They are a schooling fish and inhabit the upper and middle layers of the water, feeding on worms, small insects, and crustaceans.

The Bloodfin Tetra is a slim-bodied species of tetra. This fish will generally reach just under  5.5 cm. It is quite a long-lived fish with a general lifespan of about 5 to 8 years, yet it can live over 10 years in a well-maintained habitat. Its body colours range from a beige-orange to a silver, picking up some flashy neon highlights. The Glass Bloodfin Tetra’s most distinguishing characteristic, from which it gets its name, is the bright red colour at the base of its anal fin and on the lower half of the tail fin.

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are very undemanding in general. But because they are very active swimmers, they should be kept in a tank at least 60cm long and ideally 60 litres or more. Additionally, the tank should be securely covered as these fish are skilled jumpers and will probably do so if given the opportunity.

These fish prefer some plant cover and a darker gravel. To get the best out of this fish, set up a biotype tank. For the substrate, use a river sand with some drift wood and twisted roots. Dim lighting will develop the tetra’s best colouring.

The Bloodfin Tetras are omnivorous. In the wild they primarily feed on worms, small insects, and crustaceans, but in the aquarium they will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods.To keep a good balance, give them a high quality flake food every day. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat. These fish should be fed several times a day, but only what they can consume in 3 minutes or less at each feeding.

• Species – Aphyocharax anisitsi
• Common Name – Glass Bloodfin Tetra
• Origin – South America
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – 6 – 7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 22-28°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• Current Size – approximately 3cm (Grows to approximately 5.5cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed