Bleeding heart tetra
Kirschflecksalmler ( Hyphesso erythrostigma )
The Kirschflecksalmler or Perez- tetra (also: Tetra Perez ) ( Hyphesso erythrostigma ) is a freshwater ornamental fish from the order of Characins. It comes from the black water of the upper Amazon basin.
Features
Grown Kirschflecksalmler reach a body length of about six centimeters. The body shows a typical elongated diamond shape and is laterally very compressed. The fins are well developed, especially the anal fin. The dorsal fin shows the characteristic shape of an elongated crescent and is of a reddish gray color. Base and tips are kept dark. The upper part of the body is gray-brown and is enlivened by reddish shades, while the belly is yellowish. The reflexes coat of scales vary depending on the light. In the middle of the body a bright red round time is visible.
The males are smaller but more colorful than the females. They are also distinguished by their long extended dorsal and anal fin very well by the females. The color of the dress can vary according to mood of the fish.
Similar Species
Apart from the actual Kirschflecksalmler there are two similar species which are of importance in the aquarium: Socolofs Kirschflecksalmler ( Hyphesso socolofi ) and the Rufous Kirschflecksalmler ( Hyphesso pyrrhonotus ).
While H. pyrrhonotus still very good by H. erythrostigma and H. socolofi, is distinguished by a bold red stripe on the back, as this does not occur in the other, it is between H. erythrostigma and H. socolofi more difficult. Safest and most striking distinguishing feature is the white stripe in the anal fin which in H. erythrostigma is extended in the first two to three fin rays, where it forms a hook, so similar to H. pyrrhonotus. H. socolofi remains smaller than the other two types.
Aquarium maintenance
This beautiful and peaceful tetras should be kept in groups of at least ten animals.
A pool of 80 centimeters in length, water temperature 23-28 ° C and soft water with a pH in the range 5.5-7.5 should be provided. A dark substrate and filtering over peat, with an associated pH slightly acidic ( below 7 ), make colors more intense.
Kirschflecksalmler keep mainly to the mid -water zone. But from there they do dabble in the lower and upper water zone. The group ' falls ' often apart - but closes no later than grave danger of getting back together.
The hitherto rarely propagated in captivity animals prefer a varied diet of dry and live food. Only the similar Socolofs Kirschflecksalmler ( Hyphesso socolofi ), which originate from the area of the Rio Negro, were previously bred in large quantities.