Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

That red splash sitting mid-body is a fixed marking, not a mood-based color change, and it's the feature that's kept Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma a community-tank staple for decades. Deeper-bodied and slightly more deliberate in its swimming than the smaller tetras, which makes it read as a calm presence in a school rather than a frantic one. Give it a real group and some open swimming space and it settles in easily.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling · Max size: ~2.5" · Min tank: 20 gal · Diet: Omnivore, flake/micro-pellet