All fish / Characidae

Paraguay Bloodfin Tetra

Aphyocharax paraguayensis

Also known as paraguay tetra, paraguayan bloodfin, aphyocharax paraguayensis tetra

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A small, slim, silvery tetra with reddish tints in the fins and lower body, closely related to the familiar bloodfin tetra. It is an active, hardy shoaling fish that suits planted community tanks with other small, peaceful species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

20 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen and live daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Paraguay and Paraná river basins (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina)

Breeding

It scatters eggs among fine plants and gives no parental care, so adults will eat the eggs if left with them. Spawning is fairly easy in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or mesh, and the tiny fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Rarely sold under its own name and easily mixed up with Aphyocharax anisitsi and similar species. Lively shoals may nip long-finned tankmates, and a tight lid helps because they can jump.