Serpae Tetra 3.5cm

Serpae Tetra

The Serpae tetra has been a long-time underrated staple in the aquarium hobby. It is an incredibly common species which is popular for its bright red colours that contrast great in planted and community tanks. They also have a unique oval body shape, are easy to care for and are relatively peaceful fish but can display fin-nipping behaviour. The schooling behaviour of these fish makes them a great addition to most community systems but these fish would also make a great addition to a biotope Blackwater aquarium. 

Serpae tetras can be recognised easily by their body shape and fiery array of colours. The base colour of this fish is a deep orange which shows hints of brown and grey near the tail. The scales also have a slight grey rim which creates a mesh-like effect across the body. Serpae tetras have incredibly orange fins that really highlight the body, the fins can all have a rim of white and black tips. These tetras will also have a slash of black just past the gill plate to show some further contrast. By increasing the red spectrum in the lights, the serpae tetra's orange colours can really be elevated to the next level. 

Serpae tetras do have a reputation for being avid fin nippers so this should be taken into account when selecting tank mates. Their behaviour is often compared to tiger barbs but this can be reduced by keeping the tetra in a decent school. breeding these fish in captivity is somewhat easy where females tend to have rounder bellies than males. Females will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilising. 

Tank Recommendations for your Serpae Tetra

Being a small and relatively easy to care for fish the serpae tetra can be kept in smaller aquariums with the minimum being 75 litres. This aquarium size allows for a decent school of at least 5 along with other community fish if required. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Serpae tetras are recognised to be fairly nippy aquarium fish which can damage the fins of other aquarium fish by constantly biting at them. This is only an issue if one or two serpae tetras are kept or there is not enough space provided for the fish. If you are looking to be on the safer side, it would be best to avoid fish with long-flowing fins like angelfish or slow-moving fish like discus is best. Other than that serpae tetras are a great active addition to a tropical community aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Torpedo barbs, glow light tetras, corydoras, Apistogramma, rams and a range of dwarf/nano peaceful fish.  

Sometimes Compatible

Nano aquarium species such as endlers or guppies as well as neon tetras. Also larger semi-aggressive species such as convict cichlids, fire mouths and kribensis. Also fish with long flowing fins like angel fish or threadfin acaras. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as black sharks, synodontis catfish and larger-mouthed fish may prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Serpae Tetra

Serpae tetras are very easy to fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods.

The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.