Serpae tetra

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Scientific Name

Hyphessobrycon eques

Min. Tank Size

25 gallons

Personality

Can be fiesty

Temperature

72-82°F

pH

5.5-7.5/0-12°dGH

Size

1.5"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept in shoals with 6 or more of their own species; can be kept with other Tetras, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Barbs, Danios, Corydoras and Loaches. Fish with long fins should be avoided as this may be too tempting for this fin nipper. Can also be used as a dither fish for smaller timid Cichlids.

Serpae tetra

The Serpae Tetra can be identified by the red coloration of their bodies. These fish tend to develop darker red coloration on the fins and there may be black edges on the dorsal and anal fins. Some specimens may also develop a black diamond shape behind the gills. Serpae Tetras are native to South America where they can be found in the Rio Guapore and Rio Paraguay basins of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. These fish tend to inhabit still and slow-moving waters such as tributaries, ponds and backwaters. This species is most frequently found in areas where there is a great deal of marginal or submerged vegetation.

Tank Set-Up

Because they are both hardy and inexpensive, Serpae Tetras are often recommended for new aquarium hobbyists. This species is capable of tolerating a variety of tank conditions, though they show best in densely planted tanks. Similar to other species in its genus, the Serpae Tetra tends to nip at the fins of other fishes. This behavior can be somewhat controlled, however, by keeping this species in small shoals with at least 6 to 8 of its own species. Because their active nature can be intimidating to slow-moving or shy species, these Tetras are best kept with other active fishes like Rainbowfish and Rasboras.

Feeding

The Serpae Tetra is not a fussy eater and will accept flakes, pellets, live and/or frozen foods. For optimum health and coloration, feed a varied diet of live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp, Daphnia, and bloodworms along with a high quality flake.

Breeding

Breeding Serpae Tetras in the home aquarium is relatively easy to accomplish. Because these fish are egg-scatterers, the breeding tank should be decorated with clumps of fine-leaved plants. The breeding tank should be dimly lit and the water should be kept warm and slightly soft and acidic. Following spawning, the eggs should hatch in between 24 and 36 hours and the fry will become free-swimming 3 to 4 days later.