The Glass Bloodfin Tetra (Prionobrama filigera) is a peaceful and beautiful freshwater fish that is perfect for beginners. They are very easy to care for and are very adaptable to different water conditions.
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a small fish that only grows to be about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length. They are silver in color with a translucent body. The fins are red, which gives them their name.
Bloodfin Tetras are very peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. They are not aggressive and get along well with other fish.
Table of contents
Species overview
The glass bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) is a freshwater fish that’s native to South America. It’s found in the Orinoco, Amazon, and Essequibo river basins of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
This fish prefers slow-moving waters with a lot of vegetation. This is something that’s common among many species of tetra, as they come from a region of the world that’s quite lush and full of plant life.
The glass bloodfin tetra is a peaceful fish that’s known for being very active. They are often found in schools in the wild and do best when kept in groups in the aquarium.
This fish is named for its glass-like appearance and its blood-red fins. It’s a popular choice for many aquarium hobbyists because of its unique coloration.
Appearance
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a very small fish that only grows to be about an inch or so in length. As their name suggests, these fish have very thin and see-through fins.
Their bodies are a pale translucent color with a slight pinkish hue. There is a dark line that runs from the mouth to the base of the tail. This line is more visible on the males of the species.
Females have a more rounded body shape while males are a bit more slender. Both sexes have long and flowing fins.
The dorsal fin is tall and starts about halfway back on the body. The anal fin is a bit shorter and also starts around the middle. Both of these fins are very thin and delicate.
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra has a forked caudal fin that is slightly longer than their body. This fin is also very thin and transparent.
Lifespan
The glass bloodfin tetra has a lifespan of around 5 years. This is pretty typical for a freshwater fish.
There are a number of factors that can impact their lifespan though. If they’re in poor water conditions or are stressed from things like bad tank mates then their lifespan will be shortened.
Overall, these are pretty hardy fish though and as long as they’re in a good environment, they should do well.
Size
The average adult size for a glass bloodfin tetra is between 1 and 1.5 inches long. However, it is not uncommon for these fish to reach 2 inches in length under the right conditions.
Tank
Tank Size
The recommended minimum tank size for glass bloodfin tetras is 15 gallons. If you’re planning on keeping a school of these fish, we recommend at least 20 gallons.
As with most fish, the more space you can provide the better. These fish are relatively small so you won’t need a huge tank to accommodate them but they do need a bit more space than some of the other fish on this list.
Water Parameters
The glass bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) is a freshwater fish native to South America. It’s a small fish that only grows to be about 1.5 inches long.
Despite its small size, the glass bloodfin tetra is a relatively hardy fish. It’s often recommended for beginner aquarists.
That said, it’s still important to maintain proper water conditions for glass bloodfin tetras. They’re sensitive to changes in water parameters and can be susceptible to disease if the water is not properly maintained.
Here are a few tips for keeping glass bloodfin tetras healthy and happy in your aquarium.
- Water temperature: 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH levels: 6.0 to 7.8
- Water hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 4-8 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
Glass Bloodfin Tetras are a schooling species, so we recommend at least 6-8 fish in a group. This will help reduce their stress levels and make them feel more comfortable in their environment.
As for the plants and decorations, these fish don’t have any specific requirements. You can go with live plants or fake plants, it’s really up to you.
We recommend avoiding anything too big or bulky since these fish like to swim in open areas. That being said, a few pieces of driftwood or some rocks can help add some visual interest to their tank.
The substrate you use is also up to you, but we recommend something that’s soft and sandy. This will help prevent any cuts or scrapes if your fish happens to bump into it.
Common Diseases
The glass bloodfin tetra is a hardy little fish that doesn’t usually succumb to disease very easily. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get sick.
The most common disease that these fish experience is ich. This is a parasitic infection that will present itself as white spots on the body of your fish.
If left untreated, ich can be fatal. However, it’s relatively easy to treat if you catch it early enough.
The best way to prevent your fish from getting sick is to maintain a clean and stable tank. This will create an environment that is less conducive to disease and will help your fish stay healthy.
Behavior & Temperament
The glass bloodfin tetra is a schooling fish, which means it prefers to live in groups. In the wild, they can be found in schools of up to 100 fish. So, if you’re thinking of keeping them, you should consider getting at least six.
These tetras are peaceful fish that get along well with other species. They are not known to be aggressive in any way.
The glass bloodfin tetra is an active swimmer. It’s constantly on the move, zipping around the tank in search of food. They’re also known to be curious fish. So, don’t be surprised if they come up to check you out when you’re near the tank!
Tank Mates
The glass bloodfin tetra is a peaceful and social fish. It does well in groups and can be kept with other similar species.
In the wild, these fish are found in schools. So, it’s best to keep them in groups of at least six. This will help reduce their stress levels and make them feel more comfortable in their environment.
When choosing tank mates, look for fish that are a similar size and have similar care requirements. Glass bloodfin tetras do best in tanks with plenty of hiding spots and plants.
Some good tank mates for glass bloodfin tetras include:
- Neon Tetras
- Cardinal Tetras
- Black Neon Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Rummy Nose Tetras
- Glowlight Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
Breeding
The glass bloodfin tetra is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish that is a great addition to any community aquarium. They are also one of the easiest fish to breed in captivity.
Glass bloodfin tetras are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of foods. A good diet for them includes live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
To breed glass bloodfin tetras, you will need to set up a breeding tank. The tank should be at least 10 gallons and should have a layer of fine gravel on the bottom. The water should be clean and well-filtered with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plants are not necessary but can be used for decoration and to provide hiding places for the fry. Java moss is a good option.
To induce spawning, start by raising the water temperature to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and adding a group of 6-8 glass bloodfin tetras to the breeding tank. The ratio of males to females should be 3:1.
After a few days, the females will start to lay their eggs on the plants or on the glass of the tank. The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours.
Once the fry have hatched, remove the adults from the tank. The fry can be fed live baby brine shrimp or a quality flake food designed for small fish.
Glass bloodfin tetras are easy to breed and make a great addition to any community aquarium. With a little patience, you can successfully breed them in your home.
Conclusion
The glass bloodfin tetra is a beautiful and unique fish that is perfect for the beginning fish keeper. They are easy to care for and are very peaceful, making them a great addition to any community tank.
While they are not the most active fish, they are still interesting to watch and are sure to add some beauty to your tank.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the glass bloodfin tetra and we hope you will consider adding them to your tank!
