Lesser Bleeding Heart Tetra

Hyphessobrycon socolofi is found in the upper Amazon basin and shares the hallmark heart-shaped red blotch behind the pectoral fin that defines its famous relative, but remains noticeably smaller and more suited to moderately sized planted aquariums. Its body is a soft silver-pink, and the dorsal fin carries a dark marking in males that intensifies during courtship.

This tetra is peaceful in all situations and works very well as part of a mixed characin community. It benefits from soft, slightly acidic water and appreciates the addition of peat or botanicals to replicate its natural environment. In groups of eight or more it is an active and engaging fish.

Diet should include a mix of quality dry foods supplemented with regular offerings of frozen or live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms to keep the fish healthy and enhance coloration.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to medium (GH 2–12, KH 1–6). Tank: 80 L minimum; well-planted with open swimming space; botanicals or peat filtration recommended. Feeding: Quality flake, micro-pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms. Breeding: Egg-scatterer in fine plants; use very soft acidic water; remove adults after spawning. Compatibility: Excellent with similarly sized peaceful characins, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.