Hyphessobrycon Pyrrhonotus

Datasheet

General Description

The Flame-Back Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon Pyrrhonotus) is the smallest among the so-called bleeding heart subgroup. It can be identified by a wedge-shaped red patch extending from below the dorsal fin to the base of the caudal fin. This species is an opportunistic omnivore, with a diet consisting of fruit remains, aquatic insects, and terrestrial ants. In an aquarium, it thrives on live and frozen foods along with high-quality dried flakes and granules.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up the aquarium for the Flame-Back Bleeding Heart Tetra, a well-furnished tank with live plants is ideal. A sandy substrate with wood roots and branches creating shaded areas is recommended. Adding dried leaf litter can enhance the natural environment, supporting beneficial microbe colonies and providing supplementary food for fry. Regular water changes are essential to maintain pristine water conditions due to the species' intolerance to organic pollutants.

Behaviour

The Flame-Back Bleeding Heart Tetra is generally peaceful but adult males may exhibit territorial behavior, particularly towards similar-looking species. Maintaining them in groups of 8-10 individuals with a mix of males and females can enhance their natural schooling behavior. Witnessing the interactions between rival males during competition for female attention or hierarchy display vivid coloration.

Feeding and Diet

As opportunistic omnivores, Flame-Back Bleeding Heart Tetras feed on small live and frozen foods, including chironomid larvae, Daphnia, and Artemia. They also consume dried flakes and granules. Fresh fruit pieces can be added to the diet as occasional grazing items. Ensuring a varied diet contributes to the species' overall health and vibrant colors.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

The reproductive behavior of the Flame-Back Bleeding Heart Tetra involves egg-scattering with no parental care. Adult males exhibit more intense colors and grow larger than females. Males display extended dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins, while females tend to be rounder in shape, especially when gravid.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the rio Negro system in Amazonas state, Brazil, the Flame-Back Bleeding Heart Tetra inhabits shallow zones with submerged woody structures and sandy substrates. The species prefers habitats with minimal dissolved mineral content and brown-stained water due to decaying plant matter. The rio Ereré serves as a primary habitat for these tetras, where they coexist with various sympatric species in the wild.