Pink Salmon Tetra

The Pink Salmon Tetra, also known as Socolof's Tetra or the Lesser Bleeding Heart Tetra, is a charming mid-sized Hyphessobrycon species from the Rio Negro drainage of Brazil. It shares some visual similarities with the Bleeding Heart Tetra but is noticeably smaller and more delicately proportioned, with a softer pink-salmon body flush that intensifies in males under good conditions. A faint dark spot on the shoulder and reddish accents in the fins complete the attractive but understated color pattern. In a well-planted aquarium with dark substrate, the subtle pink tones create a refined and elegant display. This species is peaceful, schooling, and undemanding, tolerating a reasonable range of water conditions while preferring the soft, slightly acidic environment that characterizes its native Rio Negro habitat. It is well-suited to community tanks alongside other peaceful tetras, small corydoras, and similarly tempered species. Males display more intense coloration than females and will engage in gentle sparring displays that are harmless and entertaining to observe. Feeding a varied diet that includes protein-rich frozen and live foods encourages the best coloration.

Tank Setup A 60-liter aquarium with dark substrate and generous plant cover is ideal. Floating plants to diffuse light, driftwood, and tannin-rich water conditions bring out the best in this species. Leave open swimming corridors in the midwater zone.

Water Parameters pH 5.5–7.5, temperature 22–28°C, general hardness 2–12 dGH. Prefers soft, slightly acidic conditions. Use peat filtration or botanical additions if tap water is hard. Stable water chemistry is more important than achieving specific values.

Feeding Accepts flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen or live foods including daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworm. A varied diet is essential for maintaining good condition and color. Feed two to three times daily in small portions.

Tankmates Peaceful and compatible with most small community fish. Good companions include other small tetras, pencilfish, small corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma.

Schooling Keep a minimum of six. A group of eight to twelve is recommended for best behavior.

Health and Maintenance A generally hardy species. Maintain clean water with regular water changes of 25% weekly. Avoid sudden changes in water parameters which can cause stress and susceptibility to disease.