Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra: Fish Species Profile

The Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) is a small and peaceful species of freshwater fish known for its striking appearance and active schooling behavior. This species is often recognized for its unique color pattern, with a brilliant red or orange coloration on its fins, which makes it stand out among other tetras. Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are excellent for community tanks and are particularly favored for their vibrant color and peaceful nature. They are ideal for aquarists who enjoy observing active schooling fish with a touch of color.

• Common Names: Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra
• Scientific Name: Aphyocharax rathbuni
• Adult Size: Typically 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length
• Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained tank

Characteristics

The Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is known for its slender body and striking coloration. The fish’s body is typically silver or translucent with a faint yellow hue, while its fins, particularly the tail and anal fins, are a bright red or orange. Males tend to be more vibrant in color than females, especially during the breeding season. These fish are active swimmers and enjoy being in schools, where they exhibit natural behaviors and create a captivating display in aquariums.

• Family: Characidae
• Origin: Native to South America, particularly found in the rivers and streams of Colombia and Venezuela
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and social; thrives in schools
• Tank Level: Mid-level swimmers
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small group
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on a mix of plant material and small invertebrates
• Breeding: Egg layers; non-aggressive during breeding
• Care Level: Easy; suitable for beginner aquarists
• Water Conditions:
  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Temperature: 74°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C)
  • Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH

Origin and Distribution

The Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is native to freshwater rivers and streams in South America, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela. These fish are typically found in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation, where they feed on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. The Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is popular in the aquarium trade and has been bred in captivity to maintain its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature.

Colors and Markings

The most distinctive feature of the Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is its vibrant red or orange fins, particularly the tail and anal fins. The body of the fish is generally translucent or silver with a slight yellow tint, providing a beautiful contrast to the bright fins. The males are generally more colorful than the females, especially during breeding, where their red markings become more intense. This small fish’s brilliant color and lively behavior make it a popular choice for aquariums.

Tankmates

Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are peaceful and social fish, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive species. They are best kept in schools of at least 6-8 individuals, which will encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. These fish are very compatible with a wide variety of other peaceful species, such as small tetras, rasboras, and livebearers.

• Recommended Tankmates:
  • Peaceful species like neon tetras, ember tetras, or small rasboras
  • Small livebearers such as guppies, mollies, and platies
  • Bottom-dwelling species like Corydoras catfish or peaceful plecos
  • Shrimp species such as Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp
• Fish to Avoid:
  • Larger or more aggressive species like cichlids, barbs, or large predatory fish
  • Fast-moving or territorial species that may outcompete the Bloodfin Tetra for food

Habitat and Care

Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are easy to care for and thrive in a variety of tank environments. They do best in aquariums with stable water parameters, moderate filtration, and plenty of plants for cover. These fish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with gentle current and temperature stability. Providing them with a well-planted aquarium will not only enhance their health but also bring out their natural behavior.

• Ideal Aquarium Conditions:
  • A well-planted tank with plenty of plants, driftwood, and rocks for cover
  • Soft, sandy or fine gravel substrate
  • Moderate filtration with gentle water flow
  • Regular water changes (at least 25% per week) to maintain water quality
  • Stable water temperature and pH levels within the recommended range

Diet and Feeding

Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are omnivorous and will readily accept a variety of foods. They feed on small invertebrates and plant matter in the wild, and in captivity, they can be fed a mix of high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Algae wafers or blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini can also be included to supplement their diet.

• Feeding Tips:
  • Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day
  • Offer a mix of plant-based foods and protein-rich foods
  • Remove any uneaten food after 5-10 minutes to prevent water quality issues
  • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods for variety

Gender Differences

Male and female Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are similar in appearance but can be distinguished by size and coloration. Males tend to be slightly smaller and more colorful, especially during the breeding season. Females are generally larger and rounder, particularly when gravid (carrying eggs).

• Male: Smaller, more colorful, with vibrant red-orange fins during breeding
• Female: Larger, rounder, with more subdued coloration

Breeding

Breeding Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras in captivity can be relatively easy if the right conditions are provided. These fish are egg layers, and the female will lay her eggs on flat surfaces like plants, rocks, or breeding mats. After fertilization, the eggs will hatch in 2-3 days, and the fry will be free-swimming after 5-7 days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to eat regular food.

• Breeding Tips:
  • Provide a breeding tank with soft plants or breeding mats for egg laying
  • Maintain stable water conditions with slightly acidic to neutral pH and moderate temperature
  • After hatching, move the fry to a separate tank or use a breeding net to protect them from adult fish

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

If you enjoy keeping Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras, you may want to explore other small, peaceful tetra species such as Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, or other types of Rasboras. Small, peaceful species like Guppies, Endler’s Livebearers, and Corydoras Catfish also make great tankmates.

FAQ

Q: How many Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras should I keep together?
A: Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Q: Are Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras hard to care for?
A: No, they are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for beginner aquarists. They require stable water conditions, a varied diet, and a peaceful tank environment to thrive.

Q: How can I tell if my Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is male or female?
A: Males are generally smaller and more colorful, particularly during the breeding season. Females are larger, rounder, and less colorful.