Care
The Redback Bleeding Heart Tetra is a much rarer find than its close relation the Bleeding Heart Tetra (M. erythrostigma). Red Backs, as the name suggests, are far more colourful and are highly sought after for densely planted softwater aquaria. The tank must be well-matured, and we suggest peat filtration for successful long-term maintenance of this blackwater species. Ideally, the aquarium should be darkly furnished, with plenty of bogwood and areas of dense planting to replicate the natural habitat of these fish as closely as possible. Red Back Bleeding Heart Tetras are a shoaling species and do best in large groups; six specimens would be considered the absolute minimum. In larger groups you are more likely to observe the outstanding harmless natural displays between rival males, their dazzling colours intensifying further. These fish are generally of a peaceful disposition and mix well with fish of similar size and temperament. They can be quite easily bullied, so ensure that they are not housed with boisterous species. It is not advisable to keep Redback Bleeding Heart Tetras alongside fancy long-finned species, as sometimes the elaborate finnage can prove too much of a temptation. Good tankmates could include Corydoras catfish, dwarf cichlids, and smaller Loricariids.
May also be seen on sale as Flameback Bleeding Heart Tetra.
Recent taxonomic work has moved this species into the genus Megalamphodus.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp and daphnia.
Breeding
Unreported. Likely to require a similar approach to the breeding of Bleeding Heart Tetras (M. erythrostigma), which can be rather challenging.
