Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra
Scientific Name: Aphyocharax rathbuni
 
Overview
A small, active schooling tetra known for its translucent body and striking blood-red fins. Hardy, peaceful, and ideal for planted community tanks.
Natural Range
Region: South America
Origin: Paraguay River basin
Habitat: Clear or tannin-stained streams with gentle to moderate flow, leaf litter, and vegetation.
 
Description
Size: 3.5–4 cm
Body: Slender, semi-transparent silver
Fins: Bright red caudal and anal fins
Sexing:
Males slimmer, sometimes deeper red
Females rounder when gravid
 
Care Sheet
Water Parameters
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 5.8–7.5
Hardness: 1–12 dGH
Tank Size: 60 L+
Flow: Gentle to moderate
Lighting: Low–moderate
 
Tank Setup
Keep in groups of 10+
Planted tank with open midwater swimming space
Sand or fine gravel substrate
Optional leaf litter for natural colour and behaviour
 
Diet
Omnivore:
Micro pellets, flake
Frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops
Live food for colour enhancement
 
Behaviour & Compatibility
Peaceful schooling species
Fast, active midwater swimmers
Excellent with other small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small peaceful dwarf cichlids, and small loaches
Avoid fin-nippers or large/aggressive fish
 
Breeding
Egg-scatterer
Spawns over plants or mops
Remove adults post-spawn
Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours
Fry start with infusoria → baby brine shrimp