Serpae Tetra care
Hyphessobrycon eques · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A lively red tetra that does best in a larger group of its own kind.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.
Nips the fins of slow fish with long fins.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Serpae Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
- Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
- Discus: Discus and Serpae Tetra need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
- Firemouth Cichlid: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Serpae Tetra need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 12. Adults grow to about 1.75 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Serpae Tetra like?
72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Serpae Tetra should I keep together?
Keep 12 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Serpae Tetra eat?
Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.