Fish-Cam.Net - Tropical Freshwater Aquarium

Serpae Tetra

I have a small group of four Serpae Tetras. These are probably the most active fish in the tank, constantly darting about, chasing each other around. They don't harrass any of the other fish, and if I had a bigger tank I'd increase their numbers as they are a schooling fish.

They are voracious eaters, gobbling up anything that I put in the tank.

The information below is from The Tropical Tank, a great source of info on fish species etc.

Common name: Serpae tetra, Blood tetra

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon eques

Synonyms: Hyphessobrycon serpae, Hyphessobrycon callistus

Size: 2" (5cm)

Origin: Central Amazon

Tank setup: Planted tank.

Compatibility: Community, but does have a justified reputation as a fin-nipper. This tendency is reduced when kept in a shoal (much like Tiger barbs).

Temperature: 22-26oC (72-79oF)

Water chemistry: Around neutral pH (6.5-7.5).

Feeding Omnivorous: small live, frozen and dry foods.

Sexing: Males are smaller and slimmer.

Breeding: Use a small breeding tank with fine-leaved plants. Eggs will be scattered among the plants. The fry will hatch in around 24-30 hours.

Comments: This is one of a complex of species sometimes known as "Blood Tetras" or "Blood Characins".

Back 26.03.2006.