CheckMyFishTank

Serpae Tetra care

Hyphessobrycon eques · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Serpae Tetra, painted illustration

A lively red tetra that does best in a larger group of its own kind.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size1.75 inches
Temperature72 to 80°F
pH5.5 to 7.5
GroupA group of 12 or more
TemperamentSemi aggressive
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives4 to 5 years
Watch for: A well known fin nipper, so skip long finned fish like bettas and angelfish.

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.