Edit Megalamphodus erythrostigma
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Name
Scientific name
Megalamphodus erythrostigma
Described by
Authority Fowler, Year 1943, Bracketed
Family
Characidae
Common names
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Photograph credits
All 8 credited
Summary
The bleeding heart tetra, Megalamphodus erythrostigma, is a characid from the upper Amazon basin where the borders of Brazil, Peru and Colo…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
60mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 21–28°C, pH 4–7.5
Hardness
1–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Amazon, Corrientillo, Galvez, Japurá, Jurua, Jutaí, Marañón, Nanay, Napo, Purus, Solimões, Tefé, Yavarí
Writing
Etymology
Megalamphodus: from the Ancient Greek μεγαλάμφοδος (megalamphodos), meaning 'with spacious ways'. Eigenmann did not explain the name, but it probably refers to…
Distribution
Type locality is given as 'probably border area between Peru and Brazil', and this species is native to the upper Amazon basin in the 'Tres Fronteras' region w…
Habitat
Mostly inhabits sluggish tributaries, side arms and forest lakes, and often associated with submerged woody structures such as roots, fallen branches, overhang…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 90 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent should be the smallest considered.
Maintenance
Choice of décor is not especially critical although it tends to show better colouration when maintained in a well-furnished set-up with live plants and a dark …
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
This species is an opportunistic omnivore by nature. The stomach contents of wild specimens from Lake Ayapuá were composed of fruit remains, aquatic insects an…
Behaviour and compatibility
Generally peaceful making it an ideal resident of the well-researched community aquarium, although adult males are territorial to an extent, and this behaviour…
Sexual dimorphism
Males grow noticeably larger and are more intensely-coloured than females. In adult males the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are highly extended, while adult fem…
Reproduction
Egg scatterer exhibiting no parental care.
Notes
This is the best-known of three similar-looking species most commonly-referred to as the 'bleeding heart' subgroup, the other two being H. socolofi and H. pyrr…
References
References
11 on this profile