Bloodfin | Aphyocharax anisiti

Characins / Characinae / Bloodfin

Profile: Bloodfin
Aphyocharax anisiti
SYN: Aphyocharax rubripinnis, A. affinis
PD: This elongated fish ranges in color, depending of the light, from blue to yellow. Its belly is white while the fins are blood red. The outer parts of these fins are transparent.
SIZE: To 2.2" (5.6 cm)
SS: Other Aphyocharax
S: middle, top
HAB: South America; Rio Parana, Argentina
TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). The tank should be arranged in dark colors including a dark substrate. Have well-planted areas, but leave some open swimming areas. Use a tight-fitting cover to contain this leaping species.
WATER: pH 6-8 (7.0), 2-28 dH (8), 64-82°F (18-28°C)
SB: An active, peaceful, schooling fish that does well in a community tank. Does best in groups of four or more fish.
SC: Corydoras, small loricarids, tetras, Hatchetfish
FOOD: Live; small flying insects, shrimp, Tubifex, insect larvae; flake.
SEX: Males are smaller, more colorful during spawning season, and have small hooks on anal fin.
B: This fish is fairly easy to breed for an egg-laying fish. Spawning takes place near the surface, just after dawn in slightly acidic, soft water. 300-800 clear eggs are laid among plants. As these eggs fall to the bottom, the parents quickly begin to devour them. Remove the parents, or use netting that can be placed just above bottom, so the eggs fall through, out of the parents reach. The eggs hatch in 20-25 hours. Start feeding with Brine Shrimp nauplii, crushed flake food, and other small live foods.
BP: 5. Breeding is not difficult.
R: This fish can be kept in an unheated tank, but the colors may fade. This fish is hardy and has reportedly lived more than 12 years in captivity. Catch this fish with care, so not to tear the small hooks on the anal fin of the male.
DC: 2. A hardy community fish recommended as a fish fit for a beginning aquariasts.