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.
