Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax rathbuni
Description
The Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is a small but vibrant species of tetra known for its graceful appearance and energetic swimming. The body of the Rathbun Bloodfin Tetra is elongated and sleek, with a translucent, silver or pale yellowish body. Its most striking feature is its bright red or orange-colored fins, particularly the tail fin, which contrasts beautifully with the rest of its body. The males typically have more vivid coloration, especially during breeding periods when their fins may become even more brightly colored. Females tend to have a more subdued coloration but still feature the characteristic red fins.
Habitat Origin
Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of Central America, particularly in regions such as Mexico and the surrounding areas. These fish are found in clear, slightly acidic to neutral waters, where they swim among submerged plants, rocks, and other natural structures. Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras prefer environments with moderate to slow water flow and abundant vegetation, providing ample hiding spots and grazing opportunities.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. They can be fed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They will also graze on algae and small plant matter in the aquarium. A varied diet ensures they stay healthy and maintain their vibrant coloration.
Behavior:
Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are peaceful, social, and active fish that thrive in schools. They are often seen swimming together in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, displaying their natural schooling behavior. These fish are generally calm and non-aggressive, but they may become territorial during breeding. They do best when housed in groups, as they are more active and display more natural behavior in a school. Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are ideal for community tanks with other peaceful fish, as they will not bother other species.
Special Care:
Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are relatively easy to care for but thrive in stable water conditions. Regular water changes and good filtration are important to maintain water quality. These fish prefer aquariums with plenty of plants and hiding spots, such as rocks or driftwood, which will make them feel more secure. A soft, fine substrate is also recommended, as they are known to scavenge along the bottom for food. They are hardy but do best in slightly acidic to neutral water with moderate to low flow.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras are compatible with many other peaceful species. They can be housed with other small, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, tetras, small cichlids, and catfish. They are also compatible with shrimp and snails. Larger or more aggressive fish should be avoided, as they may stress or harm the Rathbun Bloodfin Tetras. They do best in peaceful community tanks where they can display their natural schooling behavior and colorful appearance.
Breeding Tank Setup
A separate breeding tank is highly recommended for Rathbun’s Bloodfin Tetras to ensure a peaceful, controlled environment free from distractions or threats. A tank of 40–60 liters (10–15 gallons) is ideal, providing ample swimming space and room for spawning activities. Maintain water conditions at a pH of 6.0–7.5, temperature between 24–28°C (75–82°F), and soft to medium hardness around 4–12 dGH. A sponge filter or gentle internal filter is preferred to avoid disturbing eggs and fry. Use fine gravel or sand as substrate, and include Java moss, Anubias, or breeding caves to provide surfaces for egg-laying and hiding places for fry. Lighting should be moderate with a 12-hour light cycle, and some shaded areas can help reduce stress.
Conditioning the Breeders
Prepare the breeders by offering a protein-rich, varied diet that includes live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. This boosts their vitality and promotes reproductive readiness. High-quality flakes and micro pellets formulated for Tetras should also be provided to ensure nutritional balance. Perform a 20–30% water change one to two days before introducing the pair to the breeding tank. Slightly increasing the temperature to around 28°C (82°F) can further stimulate breeding behavior.
Spawning Behavior
Spawning usually occurs early in the morning once ideal conditions are met. Males will display enhanced coloration and actively pursue females to initiate egg laying. Females may deposit up to 100–200 eggs, typically scattering them on plants, rocks, or smooth surfaces. To protect the eggs, it is crucial to remove the adult fish after spawning, as Bloodfin Tetras may consume the eggs if left unsupervised.
Fry Development
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours, depending on the water temperature. Once the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs (usually by day 3 or 4), begin feeding them with infusoria or liquid fry food. After a week, introduce newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes to support healthy growth. Maintain optimal conditions by performing 10–15% water changes every 2–3 days, using a gentle sponge filter, and ensuring that water temperature and parameters remain stable.
Additional Notes
Rathbun’s Bloodfin Tetras reach breeding maturity at around 6–12 months. Males are smaller and more vibrantly colored, especially in their fins, while females are larger and more rounded, particularly when gravid. Avoid stress by preventing overcrowding, maintaining consistent water conditions, and excluding aggressive or fast-moving tankmates from the breeding setup. A calm, clean, and well-conditioned environment will significantly improve the chances of successful breeding and fry survival.
