Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Serpae Tetra has a large distribution throughout much of the Amazon drainage in Brazil, Peru and Paraguay. HiFin Serpae tetra available within the aquarium trade are a commerically produced long-finned variety. While Serpae tetra are relatively hardy, aquacultured specimens have an extra leg up on their wild counterparts being better acclimated to artificial environments. The Serpae tetra has an orange-red body, with black markings behind the head and on both the dorsal and anal fins. Serpae tetras are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. Serpae tetra are a bit of a gregarious species, and with too few individuals can result in them harassing other tank mates. An adult Serpae tetra can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Serpae tetra are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Serpae tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal or to lessen the liklihood of aggression toward tank mates. Serpae tetra are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. While their wild environments have gentle water flow, soft water and a more acidic pH, the Serpae tetra is a very adaptable species to a wide range of water parameters. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of Serpae tetra happy, but a finer substrate, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this tetra. Serpae tetra form loose hierarchies, and it is not uncommon to see a pair of males flared up at each other trying to get the attention of females. Avoid tank mates with long fins, such as guppies and angelfish, as Serpae tetra have been observed to nip these. Mix Serpae tetra with other species that match their more boisterous personality, and avoid timid or docile species. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.