Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Description
The Serpae Tetra is a small, lively species known for its vivid red-orange coloration and its sharp contrast against a pale, almost transparent body. Its striking appearance includes a deep red to orange body, with dark fins and a black patch on its tail, making it a standout in any aquarium. The males are typically more brightly colored than the females, especially around the fins and belly. These fish are peaceful but active, often swimming in schools and displaying their natural shimmering coloration. Serpae Tetras are social and enjoy swimming together in groups, and they are also known for their quick and darting movements.
Habitat Origin
Native to South America, particularly in the slow-moving waters of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. They are typically found in warm, slightly acidic waters with dense vegetation and submerged roots. Serpae Tetras thrive in calm, clear waters with moderate to slow water flow.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Serpae Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also consume small plant matter and algae, making them suitable for planted tanks. A varied diet ensures they maintain their vibrant colors and healthy appearance.
Behavior:
Serpae Tetras are peaceful but active and can sometimes be a bit nippy, particularly if housed in small groups or with larger fish that might intimidate them. They are known for their energetic swimming and darting behavior, often found in the middle or upper regions of the tank. Despite their lively nature, they are not generally aggressive, and they do best in schools of at least 6 individuals. When kept in groups, they exhibit their best colors and display natural behavior. However, they may nip at the fins of slower-moving or long-finned fish, so it is important to house them with appropriate tankmates.
Special Care:
Serpae Tetras thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots such as plants, driftwood, and rocks. A soft or fine gravel substrate is ideal for them to forage and graze naturally. Regular water changes and good filtration are necessary to maintain clean water, as they are sensitive to poor water conditions. Serpae Tetras benefit from stable water parameters, with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Moderate water flow mimicking their natural environment is also recommended for optimal health.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Serpae Tetras are compatible with other peaceful species but should be kept with fish that are not overly slow or have long, flowing fins. They can be kept with other tetras, rasboras, small catfish, and peaceful shrimp. However, they can become fin-nippers if housed with slow-moving or long-finned species like bettas or angelfish, so it’s important to choose tankmates wisely. They do best in schools, where their social behavior and natural characteristics can be fully appreciated.
Breeding Setup
A separate breeding tank is highly recommended for Serpae Tetras to ensure proper control over water parameters and prevent egg or fry predation by other fish. A 40-liter (10-gallon) tank is ideal, offering ample space for swimming and spawning. Ideal water conditions include a pH of 6.0–7.0, temperature of 24–28°C (75–82°F), and hardness of 2–10 dGH. A gentle sponge filter is preferred to avoid strong currents. For substrate, use fine gravel or bare-bottom, and provide live plants like Java moss or Hornwort for egg attachment. Floating plants like duckweed offer shade and natural cover. Moderate lighting that mimics a dim, shaded habitat works best.
Conditioning for Breeding
To condition Serpae Tetras for breeding, feed them a protein-rich, varied diet. Include live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, along with high-quality pellets or flakes. This nutritional preparation improves their spawning readiness. Conduct regular water changes (about 25% every 2–3 days) to maintain optimal water conditions and reduce harmful waste buildup, which can inhibit breeding behavior.
Spawning Behavior
Spawning typically occurs in the early morning or late evening under dim lighting. Males will intensify their color and actively chase females as part of the courtship display. Serpae Tetras are egg-scatterers, and a female can lay 100–200 sticky eggs during one spawning session. The eggs will adhere to plants, substrate, or tank surfaces. It’s critical to remove the adults after spawning, as they may consume the eggs or fry if left in the breeding tank.
Fry Care
Eggs will hatch within 24–36 hours, and the fry will rely on their yolk sacs for nourishment in the first couple of days. Once free-swimming, begin feeding them infusoria or liquid fry food. After a few days, introduce rotifers or baby brine shrimp, followed by finely crushed flakes as they grow. Maintain excellent water quality by performing daily water changes of 10–15%, and monitor temperature and toxins like ammonia and nitrite to support healthy fry development.
Key Considerations
Serpae Tetras reach breeding maturity between 6 to 12 months of age. Males are smaller and exhibit more vibrant coloration during courtship, while females are rounder, especially when gravid. To avoid stress, maintain stable water parameters, and do not expose the fish to sudden changes in pH or temperature. A peaceful, dimly lit, and well-maintained environment will support successful spawning and fry survival.