Flameback Bleeding Heart Tetra
Flameback Bleeding Heart Tetra
Flameback Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus) combines the classic bleeding heart red chest spot with vivid red-orange coloration across the entire back — the 'flameback' describes the fiery dorsal coloration. Pyrrhonotus means 'red-backed' in Greek. A larger and more dramatically colored relative of the standard Bleeding Heart.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to the upper Orinoco drainage in Colombia and Venezuela — soft, slightly acidic water. More rarely available than the standard Bleeding Heart Tetra.
Keep in groups of at least 6. Males develop elongated dorsal fins and vivid red-orange back coloration when competing. A spectacular large tetra.
A more vivid and rarely available variation on the Bleeding Heart theme.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 1–8 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–4 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Upper Orinoco drainage, Colombia and Venezuela |
| Notes | Pyrrhonotus = 'red-backed'. Red chest spot + fiery red-orange back. More rarely available than standard Bleeding Heart. |
