Longfin Serpae Tetra

Longfin Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring warm red color and flowing movement to your freshwater aquarium with Longfin Serpae Tetras. This selectively bred variety combines the Serpae Tetra's deep-bodied shape, dark shoulder marking, and black dorsal fin with elongated fins that trail as it swims. A group creates a bold display against green plants. Despite their graceful appearance, these social fish can be assertive and are known for chasing and fin-nipping, including within their own group.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; careful tankmate selection and fin monitoring required

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; may chase and nip fins

• Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches, with additional length from flowing fins

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gallons long; 30 gallons or larger recommended for a larger group and community stocking

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, approximately 5–20 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore

• Swimming Area: Middle to lower

• Recommended Quantity: At least 8; preferably 10 or more when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide planted edges, shaded retreats, and generous open swimming space. Longfin Serpae Tetras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions and gentle to moderate circulation that does not buffet their elongated fins. Use smooth decorations, a secure lid, and plants or driftwood to break lines of sight and offer places to retreat. A larger group and adequate space can help distribute social interactions, but do not guarantee that fin-nipping will stop.

Choose similarly sized, robust, short-finned tankmates with compatible care requirements, such as suitable tetras and active rasboras. Avoid bettas, fancy guppies, angelfish, and other slow-moving or long-finned fish that may be targeted. Also avoid known fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs, which may damage this variety's flowing fins. Tiny, timid fish and dwarf shrimp are poor choices. Watch for damage within the Serpae group as well as to companions, and separate fish if persistent chasing or fin injury occurs.

Feeding

Feed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, supplemented with Daphnia and Bloodworms. Crush pellets or cut larger bloodworms into smaller pieces as needed to fit their mouths. Offer small portions across more than one feeding spot to reduce crowding and help less dominant fish get their share.