Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Also known as Red Minor Tetra, Callistus Tetra
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A deep red, lively tetra that is much feistier than it looks. Serpaes are known fin nippers, especially in small groups or cramped tanks, so buy a large group and give them room. Keep them with fast, robust fish rather than anything slow or long-finned.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 19 US gal
- Footprint
- 31 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 68–82 °F
- pH
- 5–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–15 dGH
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
- Min group
- 12 fish
- Lifespan
- About 5 years
Serpae Tetra care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 12 fish so they feel secure.
- Never keep them with long-finned fish such as bettas, guppies or angelfish. They will nip.
- A small group is the main cause of nipping, so never buy just a few.
- Do not overcrowd the tank, because tight spaces make their sparring far worse.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 19 US gallons.
Serpae Tetra tank mates and swim zone
Mid-Water
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Corydoras aeneus
Corydoras paleatus
Corydoras panda
Corydoras aeneus (albino)
Pangio kuhlii
Sewellia lineolata
Xiphophorus maculatus
Serpae Tetra is a boisterous fin nipper and a poor match for slower fish like Platy. Only try this with a large group in a long tank.
Poecilia sphenops
Serpae Tetra is a boisterous fin nipper and a poor match for slower fish like Molly. Only try this with a large group in a long tank.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Serpae Tetra is a boisterous fin nipper and a poor match for slower fish like Bolivian Ram. Only try this with a large group in a long tank.
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Bristlenose Pleco is much larger than Serpae Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Boraras brigittae
Serpae Tetra is fast and nippy and will bully a timid little fish like Chili Rasbora.
Danio margaritatus
Serpae Tetra is fast and nippy and will bully a timid little fish like Celestial Pearl Danio.
Poecilia reticulata
Serpae Tetra is a known fin nipper and will shred the long, flowing fins of Fancy Guppy.
Poecilia wingei
Serpae Tetra is fast and nippy and will bully a timid little fish like Endler's Livebearer.
Xiphophorus hellerii
Swordtail is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Serpae Tetra.
Serpae Tetra feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed flakes or pellets twice a day in small amounts to reduce nipping.
- Add frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp for rich red color.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Sexually mature females are noticeably rounder in the body and a little larger than males.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Characidae
- Native to
- Amazon basin and Paraguay
- Adult size
- 1.6 in (4 cm)
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Will Eat Shrimp
- Fin nipping
- High
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Moderate
Serpae Tetra FAQ
What size tank do Serpae Tetras need?
Our sourced minimum is 19 US gallons (72 liters), with a footprint of 80 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Serpae Tetras should I keep?
Keep at least 12 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Serpae Tetras?
Good matches on our list include Bronze Corydoras, Peppered Corydoras and Panda Corydoras. Avoid Chili Rasbora and Celestial Pearl Danio.
How long do Serpae Tetras live?
Care guides report about 5 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
How do I stop serpae tetras nipping?
Keep a large group, give them plenty of space, and choose fast, short-finned tank mates. Their nipping is usually aimed at each other when numbers are high enough.
Where to buy Serpae Tetra
We have not found a store that sells Serpae Tetra under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 19 US gallons (72 L), 80 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.