What size tank do bleeding heart tetras need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma.
How many bleeding heart tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if bleeding heart tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many bleeding heart tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 10 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 14 |
| 55 gallon | up to 19 |
| 75 gallon | up to 26 |
| 125 gallon | up to 44 |
Check bleeding heart tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, bleeding heart tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for bleeding heart tetras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Pearl gourami
- Bolivian ram
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- Giant danio
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Bronze corydoras
- Sterba's corydoras
Poor matches
- Guppy: They need different water: Bleeding heart tetra likes a pH of 5.5–7, guppy likes 7–8.2.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as bleeding heart tetra.
- Molly: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
Questions and answers
What size tank do bleeding heart tetras need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many bleeding heart tetras should be kept together?
At least 6. Bleeding heart tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can bleeding heart tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Bleeding heart tetra needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do bleeding heart tetras need?
73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7. In most homes that means a heater.
Can bleeding heart tetras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.