Bleeding-Heart Tetra – Hyphessobrycon socolofi | Live Freshwater Fish

Bleeding-heart tetra (Hyphessobrycon socolofi) captivates with a slender, iridescent body and a striking red heart-shaped patch behind the gill cover. This peaceful, observant species shines in community tanks and thrives in mixed-species setups with tetras, rasboras, or dwarf gouramis. Note: some pictures are of full-grown adults and may not reflect juvenile form or coloration.

Natural habitat
Originating from Colombia in South America, Bleeding-heart tetras are typically found in slow-moving freshwater habitats with plenty of cover. In the aquarium, recreating a calm, plant-rich environment helps mimic their natural midwater schooling behavior.

Adult size

Not specified in the listing.

Temperament

Calm, curious, and actively midwater-dwelling. They prefer the security of a group and are best kept in social setups where their coloring and movement can be enjoyed.

Tank size

Not specified in the listing. In practice, provide a well-planted tank with subdued lighting, ample swimming space, and plenty of hiding places to support their nocturnal exploration and group dynamics.

Diet

Varied feeding supports color and vitality: high-quality flakes or pellets as a staple, complemented by small live or frozen foods to encourage natural foraging behavior.

Compatibility

Ideal for community tanks. Pair with other small, non-aggressive species to maintain a peaceful environment. Suitable companions include other tetras, rasboras, and dwarf gouramis.

Care level

Not specified in the listing. Maintain a stable, clean environment with regular water changes and a reliable filtration system to keep the midwater system healthy and active.

Water parameters

Details not provided. To support a healthy midwater community, focus on stable temperature, consistent water chemistry, and good filtration. Regular monitoring helps prevent stress and color loss.

Breeding notes

Not provided in the listing.

Quarantine and store policy

Store quarantine statement
All fish are quarantined and observed for a minimum of 7 days before entering our main system. We still recommend quarantine after purchase.

If you’re building a peaceful, color-rich midwater display, Bleeding-heart tetras offer dynamic movement and striking coloration in a well-planted setup. Their schooling behavior enhances the visual texture of the tank from day to night, and grouping them reduces shyness while brightening their red heart patch. For best results, choose a group of 4–6+ and keep them with other small, non-aggressive species in a tranquil environment.