Moderate

Serpae Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Hyphessobrycon eques

Complete Serpae Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 15 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Serpae Tetra

Quick Answer

Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 15 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.2 and temperature range of 22-26°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their semi-aggressive nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Serpae Tetra requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 15 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.0 - 7.2 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Serpae Tetra is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Serpae Tetra has a semi-aggressive temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 6 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: betta, guppy.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.2

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Leaf Fish Care Guide: Diet & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet | The Aquarium Calculators semanticSimilarity Badis Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Serpae Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 12 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Serpae tetras (Hyphessobrycon eques) are fin-nippers when kept in groups under 8. A school of 15+ reduces intra-species aggression. Provide open swimming lanes and dense plant borders. Avoid long-finned tank mates (angelfish, bettas, guppies). Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm). Dark substrate enhances their red coloration.
What are the exact water parameters for Serpae Tetras?
Target pH 6.0 - 7.2, General Hardness 3 - 10 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 2 - 8 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 80 - 200 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 160 - 400 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 79°F (22°C - 26°C). They prefer soft, slightly acidic water but adapt to neutral parameters. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a sponge or HOB filter with moderate flow. Add driftwood and dark substrate. Hardness below 3 dGH causes clamped fins.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Serpae Tetras?
They are omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed high-quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. Susceptible to ich; treat with malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L).
How to breed Serpae Tetras in captivity?
Select 10-12 mature fish and condition with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of water (pH 6.5, dGH 5, 78°F/25.5°C), a spawning mop, and dim light. Simulate dawn over 30 minutes. Spawning occurs in the morning; female lays 200-400 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 7.

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