All fish / Characidae

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Prionobrama filigera

Also known as glass bloodfin, translucent bloodfin, bloodfin glass tetra, glass tetra, red-finned glass tetra, グラスブラッドフィン, 玻璃血鳍灯, 玻璃红尾灯

A slender, see-through tetra with a silvery sheen, a bright red base to the tail and a long white leading ray on the anal fin in males. It is hardy, active and spends most of its time near the surface, making it a good shoaling fish for the upper levels of a community tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants near the surface, with no parental care and a habit of eating the eggs. Breeding is fairly easy in a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water, and the fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

A fast jumper, so keep the tank tightly covered. Often confused with the bloodfin tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi, which is not transparent.