Serpae tetra care

Water temperature

72–79°F

Serpae tetras do best at 72–79°F and pH 6–7.5. Plan on 20 gallons or more. Good tank mates include corydoras, otocinclus, sparkling gouramis.

One of the worst fin nippers among tetras. Avoid long-finned tank mates.

Hyphessobrycon eques

pH

6–7.5

Minimum tank

20 gal

Adult size

1.75 in

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Group

Groups of 6+

Lifespan

5–7 years

Swims at

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Best tank mates

• CorydorasYes
• OtocinclusYes
• Sparkling gouramiYes
• Bolivian ramYes
• Amano shrimpYes
• Paradise fishYes
• Kuhli loachYes
• Upside down catfishYes
• Panda coryYes
• Mystery snailYes
• Blue gouramiYes
• Neon tetraYes

Full serpae tetra tank mate chart: 60 yes, 19 with care, 19 no

Serpae tetra water compared

Fish to keep away from serpae tetras

• Betta Serpae tetras nip fins, and the long fins of bettas are an easy target.
• Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); serpae tetras need 72–79°F. No temperature suits both.
• Guppy Serpae tetras nip fins, and the long fins of guppies are an easy target.
• Pictus catfish An adult pictus catfish eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.75 inches serpae tetras do.
• Goldfish Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); serpae tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.
• Angelfish An adult angelfish eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.75 inches serpae tetras do.
• Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.75 inches serpae tetras do.
• Bichir An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.75 inches serpae tetras do.

More tetras and characins

• Neon tetra72–79°F
• Ember tetra73–84°F
• Congo tetra73–82°F
• Rummy nose tetra75–84°F
• Cardinal tetra76–84°F
• Black skirt tetra70–80°F
• Silver dollar75–82°F
• Glowlight tetra74–80°F