Glass Bloodfin Tetra Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a slim, silvery schooling fish with a notably translucent body through which parts of its internal structure can be seen. Its most striking feature is the vivid blood-red colouring in the caudal fin, while the other fins are comparatively delicate and transparent. The contrast between the clear body and red tail gives this species an understated but distinctive appearance.

This active tetra spends much of its time in the middle and upper areas of the aquarium, where it moves continuously with its companions. In a properly sized group, the fish display more natural confidence and engage in frequent, harmless chasing and repositioning within the shoal.

In the wild, Glass Bloodfin Tetras are associated with calm waters, flooded areas and vegetated margins connected to larger river systems. Seasonal changes can produce habitats with subdued light, leaf litter and gently flowing water, although the species is an adaptable inhabitant of open waterways.

Prionobrama filigera belongs to the characin family and is sometimes overlooked beside more brightly marked tetras. Its transparent form, energetic behaviour and neat red tail make it an appealing choice for aquarists who enjoy observing natural schooling activity rather than keeping a solitary display fish.

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are native to tropical South America, particularly the Paraná and Paraguay river systems of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. They inhabit slow-moving tributaries, backwaters and floodplain environments.

Provide a mature aquarium of at least 60 litres for a small group, with a footprint around 60 cm long by 30 cm wide or larger so the fish have room to school. Use open swimming space through the centre and upper levels, with plants, wood or other cover around the sides and rear. A dark substrate, subdued lighting and some floating vegetation can enhance their colours and provide security, while gentle to moderate filtration and a covered top are helpful for this active species.

Up to approximately 6 cm (2.4 in) in total length. Females are generally slightly larger and deeper-bodied than males.

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of quality small flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworms. Their small mouths require appropriately sized foods, and regular variety helps maintain their colour, activity and condition.

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are peaceful community fish and can be kept with similarly sized, calm species such as other small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful livebearers, Corydoras and small, non-aggressive catfish. They are best kept away from large predatory fish, fin-nippers and boisterous tankmates that may intimidate them or damage their flowing fins. Very tiny shrimp offspring may also be eaten opportunistically.

Glass Bloodfin Tetras are egg-scattering free spawners. Condition a group with plentiful live or frozen foods, then place several males and females in a separate, dimly lit breeding aquarium with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. The adults may eat the eggs, so remove them after spawning or protect the eggs with a mesh barrier. Eggs usually hatch within roughly 24 to 36 hours, and the tiny fry initially need infusoria or another suitably fine first food before progressing to larger foods.

Females are usually fuller in the abdomen and somewhat deeper-bodied, especially when carrying eggs. Males tend to be slimmer, while both sexes share the translucent body and red caudal fin.