The Glass Bloodfin is a peaceful and active schooling fish known for its translucent body. Native to South America, it thrives in community tanks with similar species.
Overview
The Glass Bloodfin (Prionobrama filigera) is a small, peaceful species belonging to the Characidae family. This fish is native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin in South America. Known for its translucent body, the Glass Bloodfin has a delicate appearance with a shimmering, silvery sheen. They typically grow to about 4-6 cm in length and are best kept in schools of six or more. Their peaceful nature and striking appearance make them an excellent choice for community aquariums.
Tank Requirements
Glass Bloodfins thrive in well-maintained aquariums with a minimum volume of 60 liters. They prefer a water temperature between 22-26°C, with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 and a water hardness (GH) of 5-15. These fish enjoy a planted tank with plenty of swimming space, as well as hiding spots created by driftwood and rocks. A gentle filter is recommended to simulate their natural habitat of slow-moving waters. It's important to maintain high water quality through regular water changes and monitoring.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, Glass Bloodfins feed on small invertebrates and plant matter. In captivity, they are not picky eaters and will readily accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flake foods, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms. Feeding them a varied diet will enhance their color and ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day.
Care and Maintenance
Glass Bloodfins are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain optimal water conditions. Their translucent bodies make them sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters, so it's essential to keep the environment stable. Monitor their health regularly and watch for signs of stress or disease, which can be treated with appropriate medication if detected early.
Compatibility
Glass Bloodfins are peaceful and get along well with other small, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include other small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six to make them feel secure and display their natural behavior. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive species, as they can easily become stressed or injured.
Breeding
Breeding Glass Bloodfins in captivity can be achieved with the right conditions. They are egg scatterers, and spawning is usually triggered by increasing the water temperature slightly to 26-28°C and providing a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs typically hatch in 24-36 hours, and the fry can be fed with infusoria or finely crushed flakes once they become free-swimming.