微红魮脂鲤 · Flame-back Bleeding Heart Tetra

Overview

Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus, the flame-back bleeding heart tetra, has a red shoulder spot and a distinctive wedge of red along the upper body toward the tail. The red area is particularly striking in dominant, well-conditioned males. Clean, mature water and plentiful shelter are central to its care.

Distribution & habitat

It is native to the Negro system in Amazonas, Brazil, although the full range is unresolved. Known localities concentrate around small tributaries near Barcelos, including the Ereré, Demeni, and Aracá.

Small groups occupy shallow water among roots, fallen branches, and vegetation. White sand and scattered leaves cover the bottom, and favored areas can be only 30–90 cm deep. The brown water contains very few dissolved minerals and has little buffering capacity.

Aquarium setup

Use a footprint of at least about 75 × 30 cm. Soft sand, branching wood, and roots should create numerous shaded spaces; a furnished, planted aquarium encourages good color. Dried leaves add cover and microorganisms useful to fry. Established biological filtration is essential, organic waste must not accumulate, and weekly water changes should be routine.

Diet & feeding

This is an opportunistic omnivore. Wild stomach contents include fruit, aquatic insects and their larvae, and terrestrial ants, with fruit and ants making substantial contributions. Offer quality flakes or granules alongside small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, water fleas, and brine shrimp. Submerged fresh fruit may be grazed, but remove it after a few hours.

Behaviour & compatibility

Generally peaceful, adult males nevertheless show some territorial behavior, occasionally extending it toward similarly shaped companions. Keep at least eight to ten of both sexes with comparable peaceful fishes, small catfishes, or suitable nonpredatory cichlids. Male competition for mates and social position brings out strong displays and colors.

Sexual dimorphism

Males become noticeably larger and more colorful, with elongated dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins. Females are rounder, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding

Spawning has not been recorded. Egg scattering without parental care is expected, but detailed procedures or timings from related species should not be treated as established for this fish.

Notes

The red dorsal wedge separates it from other bleeding heart tetras and may extend toward the head in dominant mature males. Some individuals develop metallic golden scales; a proposed link with parasites remains uncertain, so this appearance alone does not identify a cause.