Serpae tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 4.5 cm
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 8
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The serpae tetra is a warm red characin from the Paraguay and Guaporé basins, with a black shoulder spot and a boldly marked dorsal fin. Handsome it certainly is, but it also has a reputation as a notorious fin nipper.
Keep it in a good-sized group so the squabbling stays within the shoal instead of targeting one victim. Never combine it with long-finned or slow fish such as bettas, guppies or angelfish; with equally lively species in a roomy planted tank it does fine.
Good to know
Best not combined with
Related species
Keep Serpae tetra in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.