Cherry Tetra

The Cherry Tetra

A Sweet Splash of Ruby for Your Aquascape

Add a vibrant, schooling masterpiece to your tank with the Cherry Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma), also widely celebrated in the UK by its other common name, the Bleeding Heart Tetra. Hailing from the shadowy, slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the upper Amazon basin, this tetra is a visual gem. It features a stunning, translucent silvery-peach body completely overlaid by a flawless, deep ruby-red to iridescent pink hue – an ornate aesthetic that earns its "Cherry" title. Its most iconic feature, the "Bleeding Heart," is a single, sharp, intense cherry-red spot positioned perfectly over the heart, which glows like a living jewel against a dark background.

Why You’ll Love the Cherry Tetra

Iconic Bleeding Heart Aesthetic: The sharp contrast of the fluorescent ruby spot against the fiery, multi-colored fin trim creates a visual spectacle unique among Amazonian tetras.

Master of the Shoal: Despite their larger size for a tetra, Cherry Tetras are deeply social. Watching a coordinated school, or ‘shoal,’ of 6–10 interaction, flash their intense colors, and change direction is a dynamic, rewarding experience.

Master of the Medium Tank: Reaching a substantial final size of 6 to 8 cm, they are one of the most practical and popular choices for medium aquariums (like the 70-liter size) where smaller tetras would look lost.

Peaceful & Dither Star: They are a hardy, docile, non-aggressive species that adds active, schooling movement without bothering your other fish, making them excellent choices for community setups and larger dither fish.

Quick Care Stats

Pro-Tips for a Happy Cherry

The absolute most critical element for the Cherry Tetra is water parameters. To see their maximum, fiery ruby-red color, simulate their native environment with soft, acidic blackwater. We highly recommend using a RO/DI water system and incorporating driftwood and peat moss to manage their pH. Provide numerous plants, floating cover, or driftwood structures – as they rely heavily on feeling secure in a well-decorated tank. They must be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 to prevent extreme stress and shyness.

Aquarist Note: Because of their delicate, soft-water nature, we place significant emphasis on proper acclimation. Be sure to check this species' specific requirements for pH (acidic, ideally below 6.8), temperature, and minimum schooling size. For the best visual display, use a single-species shoal in a large, beautifully planted tank!