Bloodfin Tetra

Description

Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi)

Active, hardy and full of personality, the Bloodfin Tetra is a classic South American schooling fish recognised by its shimmering silver body and vibrant blood-red fins. Easy to care for and constantly on the move, this long-lived tetra is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking to add energy and colour to a peaceful community aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Aphyocharax anisitsi
  • Common name: Bloodfin Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You're looking for a hardy community fish.
  • You enjoy active schooling species.
  • You want fish that thrive in planted aquariums.
  • You're building a colourful South American community.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You only plan to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep large predatory species.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
  • You keep slow-moving fish with long flowing fins in very small aquariums.

Why choose Bloodfin Tetras?

Bloodfin Tetras have remained one of the most popular community fish for decades thanks to their combination of hardiness, lively behaviour and striking appearance. Their sleek silver bodies shimmer under aquarium lighting, while their bright crimson fins provide a vivid contrast that becomes even more intense as the fish mature.

Unlike many smaller tetras, Bloodfin Tetras are confident swimmers that spend much of their time in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. When kept in a proper school, they display coordinated swimming behaviour and become more relaxed, colourful and active.

Their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of freshwater community aquariums, from beginner setups to heavily planted display tanks.

Benefits

  • Distinctive bright red fins
  • Hardy and adaptable species
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Active throughout the day
  • Ideal for community aquariums
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–8.0
  • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, well-filtered and stable with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Open swimming areas with plants around the edges and darker substrate for best colouration
  • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish, with larger groups displaying more natural behaviour.
  • Regular water changes and a varied diet help maximise the vibrant red fin colouration.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Bristlenose Plecos
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Black Neon Tetras
  • Honey Gouramis
NTA Insight:
Bloodfin Tetras are often underestimated because they are commonly seen in small dealer tanks. Once settled into a mature aquarium and kept in a large school, their silver bodies develop an attractive metallic sheen while the fins become a rich ruby red. They are also one of the more resilient tetra species, making them an excellent choice for aquarists wanting an active yet easy-care schooling fish.

FAQ

How many Bloodfin Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools of 10–20 fish display more natural behaviour, better colouration and greater confidence.

Are Bloodfin Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are excellent community fish when kept in an appropriately sized school. In very small groups they can occasionally become boisterous or show minor fin-nipping behaviour.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. Bloodfin Tetras thrive in planted aquariums that provide open swimming space alongside dense planting around the edges.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their adaptability, hardiness and straightforward care requirements make Bloodfin Tetras one of the best schooling fish for beginner aquarists.

How long do Bloodfin Tetras live?

With stable water conditions and a quality diet, Bloodfin Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

Bloodfin Tetra

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    Description

    Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi)

    Active, hardy and full of personality, the Bloodfin Tetra is a classic South American schooling fish recognised by its shimmering silver body and vibrant blood-red fins. Easy to care for and constantly on the move, this long-lived tetra is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking to add energy and colour to a peaceful community aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Aphyocharax anisitsi
    • Common name: Bloodfin Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You're looking for a hardy community fish.
    • You enjoy active schooling species.
    • You want fish that thrive in planted aquariums.
    • You're building a colourful South American community.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You only plan to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep large predatory species.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
    • You keep slow-moving fish with long flowing fins in very small aquariums.

    Why choose Bloodfin Tetras?

    Bloodfin Tetras have remained one of the most popular community fish for decades thanks to their combination of hardiness, lively behaviour and striking appearance. Their sleek silver bodies shimmer under aquarium lighting, while their bright crimson fins provide a vivid contrast that becomes even more intense as the fish mature.

    Unlike many smaller tetras, Bloodfin Tetras are confident swimmers that spend much of their time in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. When kept in a proper school, they display coordinated swimming behaviour and become more relaxed, colourful and active.

    Their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of freshwater community aquariums, from beginner setups to heavily planted display tanks.

    Benefits

    • Distinctive bright red fins
    • Hardy and adaptable species
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Active throughout the day
    • Ideal for community aquariums
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–8.0
    • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, well-filtered and stable with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Open swimming areas with plants around the edges and darker substrate for best colouration
    • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish, with larger groups displaying more natural behaviour.
    • Regular water changes and a varied diet help maximise the vibrant red fin colouration.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Bristlenose Plecos
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Black Neon Tetras
    • Honey Gouramis
    NTA Insight:
    Bloodfin Tetras are often underestimated because they are commonly seen in small dealer tanks. Once settled into a mature aquarium and kept in a large school, their silver bodies develop an attractive metallic sheen while the fins become a rich ruby red. They are also one of the more resilient tetra species, making them an excellent choice for aquarists wanting an active yet easy-care schooling fish.

    FAQ

    How many Bloodfin Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools of 10–20 fish display more natural behaviour, better colouration and greater confidence.

    Are Bloodfin Tetras peaceful?

    Yes. They are excellent community fish when kept in an appropriately sized school. In very small groups they can occasionally become boisterous or show minor fin-nipping behaviour.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. Bloodfin Tetras thrive in planted aquariums that provide open swimming space alongside dense planting around the edges.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their adaptability, hardiness and straightforward care requirements make Bloodfin Tetras one of the best schooling fish for beginner aquarists.

    How long do Bloodfin Tetras live?

    With stable water conditions and a quality diet, Bloodfin Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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