Serpae Tetra

Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring warm red color and lively movement to your freshwater aquarium with Serpae Tetras. Their deep-bodied shape, dark shoulder marking, and black dorsal fin create a bold contrast against green plants. A group adds constant activity to a thoughtfully stocked community aquarium. These social fish can be assertive and are known for chasing and fin-nipping, particularly in small groups or cramped surroundings.

Quick Care Guide

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

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

• Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches

• 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, driftwood, shaded retreats, and generous open swimming space. Serpae Tetras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions and gentle to moderate circulation. Plants and decorations help break lines of sight and give chased fish places to retreat. A larger group and adequate space can reduce attention directed at other fish, but do not guarantee that fin-nipping will stop.

Choose similarly sized, active, short-finned tankmates with compatible water requirements, such as robust tetras and suitable rasboras. Avoid bettas, fancy guppies, angelfish, and other slow-moving or long-finned fish, as well as tiny, timid species. Dwarf shrimp are not reliable companions and may be harassed or eaten. Monitor interactions, especially during feeding, and separate fish if persistent chasing or fin damage 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.