Rathbuni's Bloodfin Tetra 3.5cm

Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra

The Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra, is a lesser-known tetra species and whilst simple in its colours, it is a stunning fish in its own regard. These fish make for a great low-key addition to a planted aquascape where the environment is the spotlight. Alternatively, they are also a great species for a wild-style biotope tank due to their more natural colour palette. What really sets these tetras apart from other species is their naturally green body with contrasting red.

Rathbuni bloodfin tetras fit their name perfectly. The blood fin part of the name comes from that bright streak through the ventral and tail fin which glows compared to the rest of the body. Speaking of which, the body is a stunning jade green colour which is quite reminiscent of species like the kubotai raspbora. This is complemented by the white belly and cloudy white fins.

Rathbuni bloodfin tetras are egg scatterers and relatively easy to breed. After a courtship dance, the female scatters her eggs among fine-leaved plants, which are then fertilised by the male. There is no parental care provided, and removing the adults after spawning is advised to prevent egg predation. The male boasts a more slender body compared to the female and also has longer fins. The best method of success in breeding would be to put a single male with a pair of females into a 40-litre aquarium with a spawning mop or java moss. After spawning the parents can be taken out and the fry can be raised.

Tank Recommendations for your Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra

Rathbuni bloodfin tetras are best housed in a densely planted 70-litre or larger tank with plenty of swimming space. Since these are mid-water fish they really are not fussed with the hardscape or substrate choices in an aquarium. A blackwater, hardscape only, or even planted aquarium will be fine however they would stand out best in the latter option, especially against the greens. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with temperatures between 24 - 28°C and a pH of 5.5 - 7.0. Providing a darker background and substrate can help intensify their colours as well.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Rathbuni bloodfin tetras are peaceful and fare well with a variety of small, non-aggressive tankmates.

Usually Compatible

Other small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, and small peaceful loaches.

Sometimes Compatible

Gouramis and Angelfish. While generally peaceful, these species can sometimes show a territorial behaviour.

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive, predatory, or large species that can easily stress, harm, or eat the small bloodfin tetras.

Feeding your Rathbuni Bloodfin Tetra

Rathbuni bloodfin tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods.

The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp.