The Serpae Tetra is a flame-colored freshwater fish species that is a common addition to aquariums. It is one of the most colorful tetras and looks stunning when added to an aquarium with many live aquarium plants.
Serpae Tetras are known for their schooling nature and will generally swim in the middle to the bottom section of your Aquarium.
It is not just about good appearance and behavior for this fish. It is easy to care for and very beginner-friendly. Any aquarist looking for low-maintenance and good-looking fish can never go wrong with Serpae Tetras.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the care and maintenance details of the Serpae Tetra, so read through if you are looking to keep this fish as your next freshwater aquarium fish.
| Quick Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | : Red Serpae, Red Minor Tetra, Serpa Tetra, Jewel Tetra, Callistus, Callistus Tetra, Blood Characin |
| Scientific Name | : Hyphessobrycon eques |
| Family | : Characidae |
| Origin | : Guapore and Paraguay River basins |
| Care Level | : Easy |
| Lifespan | : 5 to 7 years |
| Size (average) | : 1.5 - 2 inches |
| Diet | : Omnivorous |
| Breeding | : Egglayer |
| Social | : Schooling fish |
| Temperament | : Peaceful |
| Minimum Tank Size | : 10 gallons |
| Temperature | : 72 – 79 °F (22 – 26 °C) |
| Water Hardness | : 5 - 25 dGH |
| Water pH Level | : 5.0 - 8.0 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of Serpae Tetra
Other names: Red Serpae, Red Minor Tetra, Serpa Tetra, Jewel Tetra, Callistus, Callistus Tetra, and Blood Characin
The Serpae Tetra is a colorful freshwater fish species from the Characidae family and Scientific names as Hyphessobrycon eques. This fish is of Brazil and Paraguay native, but thanks to its appealing characteristics, it’s widespread worldwide.
The three primary colors of this fish are brown for the body, black for the dorsal fin, and red for the caudal and anal fins. Despite its small body (generally less than 2 inches), the fish can live up to 5 to 7 years.
Serpae Tetras do not call for much in terms of care and maintenance and the care you give any other tank fish will serve them just fine.
The Serpae Tetra is generally considered peaceful and loves to swim in schools of 6+ members. As long as there is enough space, the fish can also be a good community fish. On the flip side, this fish can be a good fin nipper when they get aggressive or when kept in small groups.
Serpae Tetras are not picky when it comes to feeding. They will eat anything from fish pellets, frozen and dried foods to live foods. Breeding is also relatively easy for this fish.
Origin, Distribution, and Availability
Serpae Tetras originate from South America and are commonly found in the Amazon drainage basin. They mostly populate the Guapore and Paraguay River basins that stretch from Argentina, Brazil, to upper Paraguay.
In natural habitats, they take most of their time hiding from predators in murky water, around tree roots, and thick vegetation. Since there are no threatening predators in aquarium conditions, the fish is always full of energy and ready to amaze at all times.
This fish is bred widely in North America, Europe, and Asia but is today a popular global freshwater aquarium fish.
The species of this fish currently in the market are hybrids and not pure wild varieties. This means that they are still populated in their wild environment and not endangered in any way.
The price of a young Serpae Tetra for sale from $2.5 to $7.5. The price is, however, dependent on the pet shop you are buying it from. You can find Serpae Tetra for sale at reputed online pet sellers at reasonable prices.
Serpae Tetra Typical Behavior
Like Neon and Cardinal Tetras, Serpae Tetra is a calm and peaceful fish. Serpae Tetras prefer to live in a community tank with a school and other fast-moving fish. The fish also exhibits playful behaviors, especially when they are swimming in schools with their own companion.
When you keep Serpae Tetras in small schools and alone, they will spend most of their time taking shelter, a thing you would not want happening in a display aquarium. If you have heard Serpae Tetras being associated with fin nipping, it will only occur when kept in this condition.
Serpae Tetras can sometimes be easily frightened, so adding hiding places by including lots of plants and other decorations in your tank will work for them when the environment gets uncomfortable.
The fish is a mid-level to bottom dweller. You will only get it in the tank’s upper tank when feeding. All in all, the scenery they create in a display tank is invaluable.
Characteristics of Serpae Tetra
– Appearance
The Serpae Tetra is referred to as a deep-bodied fish with the shape of a standard Tetra. The body is flat, elongated, and oval or trapezoidal shaped.
The colors and the special markings are the most striking appearance features of this fish, as explained below.
– Colors and Special Markings
Although the theme color may vary from one breed to another, a Serpae Tetra will have a striking-reddish brown color. The scales on their body have a shiny luster that reflects light and creates very beautiful scenery when they swim under correct lighting conditions.
The fins for this fish have a mix of colors that add to its uniqueness. The dorsal fin is generally black with white edges, while the other fins are red. The anal fish has black edges and a white leading tip.
When it comes to markings, there is just one predominant feature- a black comma-shaped spot just behind its gills. The mark is most vibrant when the other body and fins colors are fully developed.
The colors and marking (especially the black spot behind the gills) of this fish fade as they age and are something you should factor in when purchasing a new Serpae Tetra stock. Only go for the vibrantly colored fish and the ones that look healthy.
– Size: How Big Do Serpae Tetras Get?
When it comes to Serpae Tetra size, it is a small fish species. If well fed and taken care of, it will grow up to 1.5 to 2 inches.
– Lifespan of Serpae Tetra
Captive-bred Serpae Tetra generally has a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. In some reports, seasoned fish keepers report a lifespan of even 10 years for this fish.
Aquarium Care and Conditions for Serpae Tetra
When it comes to aquarium care, it is recommended to stick to the below-discussed points to give Serpae Tetras the best of care.
– Tank Conditions and Care
Serpae Tetras need plenty of hiding places in their tank as they sometimes get easily scared. The most straightforward way to achieve this is by adding lots of live Aquarium plants to their tanks. Decoration (discussed below) can also serve as hiding places.
In order to keep the tank clean, you need to include a highly effective filtration system. A good filter will decompose nitrates present in the fish’s waste and any organic matter in the tank.
Filters also help deal with fluctuations of the set conditions in the tank.Since Serpae Tetras prefer slow-flowing water, you should include a filter that does not add too much agitation.
– Serpae Tetra Tank Size
A 10 gallons tank will cater to all the swimming and shelter needs of a whole school of at least 5 to 6 Serpae Tetras. To give them quality swim space I would recommend that you consider a tank of 20 gallons. That will allow you to accommodate 6 to 12 Serpae Tetras in a school.
As a guide, you should do your calculation on a 1-gallon per 1-inch of fish length basis.
Before purchasing a tank for Serpae Tetras, be sure of the number you want to bring in as overcrowding the fish with stress them out and affect their health significantly.
Also, if you want to keep this fish in a community tank, ensure that their space requirements are fulfilled and the other members comfortable and well catered for in terms of space needs.
– Tank Setup
Serpae Tetras are naturally used to a dark and sandy substrate in wild habitats and this is what should be added in their Aquarium. Note that their colors will pop better if the substrate in conjunction with the lighting is contrasting.
The Serpae Tetra fish, just like many tetras, will thrive in low or dim lighting. Use subdued lighting to simulate the natural habitat’s conditions and bring out the best look of the fish’s colors and markings.
To provide relatively constant conditions in the tank, you have to monitor the lighting system to ensure that it does affect the water’s temperature.
You can decorate this fish tank with driftwood. This does not just add an aesthetic element (adding a natural look in the tank) but also increases the shelter for this fish.
Even better, the driftwood will bring in tannins in your tanks that are crucial in maintaining the required pH level in the tank.You can also add logs and rock formations as decorations and add to shelter as well as the hiding places.
– Suitable Plants
Live plants are a perfect addition to a Serpae Tetras tank as they add shelter and hiding places. You need to add as many plants in your Serpae Tetra as you can, but please keep them at the sides as this fish prefers to swim in the middle section of the tank.
You can include any favorite tetras plants in a Serpae Tetra’s tank:
Since the fish prefers to spend most of its time near the tank’s surface, it would help if you added floating plants to support this dwelling behavior.
Note that plenty of floating plants will also block light from getting into the tank during the day.
– Water Conditions and Parameters
The secret to making your Serpae Tetras happy and healthy at all times is replicating what they are used to in the wild to the Aquarium. With the following water parameters, in addition to the tank setup above, your Serpae Tetras will be tricked that they are on their natural habitats:
- Temperature: 72 – 79 °F (22 to 26 degrees Celsius)
- Water pH: 5 to 8
- Hardness: 5 to 25 dGH
Understand the nature of the Serpae Tetras you have in your tank and maintain just what they are used to. Test the parameters outlined above frequently to ensure that the environment you subject your Serpae Tetras to is stable and in a supportive condition.
You can also improve water quality by changing it partially 25-50% twice a week.
Before bringing in Serpae Tetras, set up your tank and give the water inside some time to cycle through. This will prevent major fluctuations from affecting your newly acquired stock.
Diet and Feeding
Like other fish species feeding Serpae Tetra fish is very important. We must provide them well a balanced and nutritious diet as discussed below:
– What Do Serpae Tetra Eat?
The Serpae Tetra is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods under tank conditions. They will work with fish pellets, frozen and dries foods, flakes, and fresh foods.
In the wild, this fish snacks on plant matter, invertebrates, and live foods such as insects and worms. It would help if you replicated this in your Aquarium feeding.
You can take high-quality pellets and flake foods as their primary foods then occasionally feed them with treats such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.A balanced diet is, however, preferred as it helps keep the fish healthy and vibrantly colored at all times.
– How Often Should You Feed a Serpae Tetra?
Just like any other omnivore fish, the Serpae Tetra fish prefers small feedings several times a day. The term ‘small’ simply means that you need to feed these fish with an amount that they will eat entirely in a few minutes.
Serpae Tetra Diseases
Although Serpae Tetra fish have no specific diseases, they are prone to all common freshwater fish ailments. It is needless to say that the risk of contracting these diseases will be higher when the water/tank conditions and quality of feeds deteriorates.
Common illnesses for Serpae Tetra include Ich, skin flukes, fungal infections, and parasite infestations.
To keep your Serpae Tetras free from these diseases, keep checking water parameters/conditions and ensure that they are stable and at the required level.
Always engage a reputable veterinary when you notice any behavioral or appearance changes on your Serpae Tetras. Don’t embark on treatment unless you are certain of what condition you are dealing with.
If you are bringing Serpae Tetras as an addition to your community freshwater tank, quarantine them in a separate tank for at least two weeks.
During this period, monitor the fish closely and check if any member has signs of diseases. Treat any sick individual before introducing the stock back to your community tank.
How Do You Tell If a Serpae Tetra Male or Female?
The male and female varieties of the Serpae Tetra fish are very similar and it is hard to tell them apart, especially when they are growing to reach maturity.
However, on reaching maturity, the females appear rounder and larger than the males. Males have a fully black dorsal fin when they are ready to spawn, while females have a pale one.
The males at any growth stage will have more vibrant colors than the females and if you have a sharp eye, this is something you’ll notice.
Serpae Tetra Breeding
As mentioned above, Serpae Tetras are easy to breed even in a home aquarium. It’s not a wonder to see Serpae Tetra fry in a mature fish tank. This tells you that they don’t need very ‘special’ conditions to spawn or reproduce.
Even with this, you need to make the breeding more strategic and yielding by following the following requirements.
Select breeding pairs or groups (equal number of males and females) who are healthy and with fully developed colors.
Set up a small tank with a dull substrate and dim lighting. A tank of 10 gallons will be enough for the breeding process. Add spawning mops or aquarium plants such as Myriophyllum and Java Moss for the fish to form a platform where the eggs will be deposited.
Adding dry leaf litter in a Serpae Tetra fish breeding tank is also very beneficial. First, this will add to the simulation of the natural habitats other plants create in the tank and also produce microbe colonies that are a perfect source of food for Serpae Tetra fry.
For faster-spawning you should set the following conditions in the spawning tank:
- Water hardness: 6 – 8 dGH (the water should be soft)
- Temperature: 80 °F (27 degrees Celsius)
- Acidity: Around 6.0
When the females are ready for spawning, they will appear plump and rounder. The Serpae Tetra female is an egg scattering spawner and is not the best when it comes to parental care.
Once the Serpae Tetra eggs are scattered all over, remove the parents (they may eat the eggs) and completely dim the light as they are sensitive to bright light.
Serpae Tetra eggs will take 1 to 2 days to hatch, after which the fish will start feeding on their yolk sack or any safe microbes in the tank. You can also introduce fresh brine shrimp and finely crushed flake foods for the young ones to feed on.
Frequently asked questions
There are a few questions and concerns that we highlighted and thought to discuss below.
– How Many Serpae Tetras Should I Keep Together?
Serpae Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more individual fish. This is the only way to keep them happy and your tank, peaceful.
dsThe lowest number you can go for a group of Serpae Tetras is 4, as anything lower than this will lead to fin nipping and other aggressive behaviors. The maximum number will depend on the size of the singly occupied or community fish tank you have.
– What Fish Can Live with Serpae Tetra (Compatible Tankmates)?
Perfect Serpae Tetra tank mates are fish that show the same energy level as them and that that does not exhibit any form of competitive characteristics and behavior.
Serpae Tetra compatible tank mates should preferably be bottom dwellers, peaceful and short-finned.
Considering these requirements, the best fish to keep with Serpae Tetras are Corydoras Catfish, Loaches,Giant Danios
If you have a large community tank, you can keep the Serpae Tetras among compatible tetras such as Cardinal Tetras, Neon Tetras, Back Skirt Tetras.
Just like any other fish, the ideal tank mates for the Serpae Tetra should not be too large or too small.
– Can Serpae Tetras Live with Bettas?
Keeping Serpae Tetras with Bettas is not a nice idea as these two are not compatible. Here are the supporting reasons:
- Bettas are brightly colored and most of their body features look like those of the Serpae Tetras. When kept in the same tank, there will be a lot of confusion and a high possibility of chaos sprouting. Any aggressive behavior a Serpae Tetra will direct to another Serpae Tetra is definitely what Bettas will get.
- The other reason is that Bettas are slow swimmers and not as full of energy as the Serpae Tetras. Keeping the two in the same tank would therefore mean that the Serpae Tetras will cause a lot of trouble to your Bettas.
- Lastly, Bettas tend to compete with Serpae Tetras for food, which may spell trouble for these two fish.
– Are Serpae Tetras Fin Nippers?
Yes, when kept in small groups. Serpae Tetras love school, so keeping them in groups of two or three would definitely evoke this form of aggression.
Note that fin nipping is only directed to other Serpae Tetras and may barely occur in a community tank. Expect to see this behavior when they are feeding.
– Are Serpae Tetra Aggressive?
Serpae Tetras are generally peaceful fish and will live with their company or other compatible fish just fine. This, of course, has to be supported by good tank and water conditions, proper feeding, and provision of enough swimming space.
Just as fin nipping, any form of aggressive behavior this fish may have is always directed to other Serpae Tetras. Keeping this fish in a community tank will definitely keep their aggressive side at bay.
Final Thoughts
The Serpae Tetra is a great beautiful fish to add to a freshwater home aquarium. There is no doubt that these fish are one of the most lively and fun to watch, especially when they form school and swim together.
Correctly feeding and maintaining the tank conditions discussed in this guide will take care of the aggressive behavior that the Serpae Tetra may sometimes have.
Tetras are generally schooling fish. To keep them comfortable, you need to keep them in groups of 6 or more in a tank. This implies that keeping Serpae Tetra with other tetra species may end up overcrowding your tank since each of these species will need to be kept in schools.
Here, the ideal approach is to keep Serpae Tetras only in a tank or with other fish that do not live in schools.
For the best experience, keep these fish in large schools, include tons of aquarium plants in the aquarium, and provide much room for them to swim and display their beauty. All the best!
FAQs
What do you feed Serpae tetras? ›
In their natural environment, serpae tetras eat small live foods such as insects, invertebrates, and worms. In the aquarium, they will accept virtually any food quite readily, including flake, pellet, freeze-dried, and frozen foods.
How often do you feed a serpae Tetra? ›Serpae Tetras need us to feed them multiple times during a day, but an aquarist must keep in mind to only give them food which they can consume in 3 minutes or less at each feeding, as otherwise, they would be overfed.
What temperature do Serpae tetras like? ›Serpae tetras prefer water temperatures ranging from 72–79 °F (22–26 °C). They will generally do better and show off their best colors in soft, neutral to slightly acidic water. As with any other schooling fish, they thrive in large groups and should be kept in schools of at least six fish.
How many times a day should you feed tetra fish? ›You should feed your fish two to three times daily. A few flakes per fish is sufficient. The fish should eat all the food in two minutes or less. Overfeeding can cloud your water and harm your fish.
How do you make tetras happy? ›They will appreciate the greenery and they love to swim in and out of the plants. The more live plants you can add without consuming too much space, the better. Neon Tetras will be happy with most freshwater plants, but a few of their favorites include: Cabomba (my personal favorite)
What happens if you overfeed tetras? ›Overfeeding is the most common mistake new fish owners make. When you give fish too much food, the remnants can clog your filter and break down into toxins that are harmful to fish.
How long after tetra can I add fish? ›Makes it possible to introduce fish immediately after setting up a new aquarium. The live bacteria contained within Tetra SafeStart instantly creates a biologically active habitat.
How do you know when a tetra is happy? ›How do you know when a Tetra is happy? Signs that your Neon Tetra fish are happy include them swimming freely and energetically around the whole tank, they have a vibrant glow to their scales, they don't seem scared of other fish and they're breathing regularly but not rapidly.
What do tetras need in their tank? ›They can be bred in a tank with a filter and aquarium lighting with a lot of plants, but they don't need aeration, and they require a temperature of 77F (25C). You also need some quality neon tetra eggs. For the males to show their best colors, their water temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C).
Can you use tap water for tetra fish? ›Tetra AquaSafe instantly makes tap water safe for fish and provides the ideal basis for a healthy life in an aquarium.
What disease is common in Serpae Tetras? ›
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Ich is just about the most common disease that affects freshwater tropical and coldwater fish. Ich is caused by the parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a protozoan that is usually present in most aquariums. Ich doesn't attack healthy fish.
They do best in soft, neutral to slightly acidic water with a pH of between 6-7.5 and temperatures between 72°-79°, so you may or may not need a heater for them. Serpae tetras do best in a more dimly lit environment and thrive in blackwater aquariums.
How many hours of darkness do tetras need? ›Lighting Requirements
Like other tropical fish, tetras require the lights to be on in their tanks for 12 to 14 hours each day. This will help them to maintain a proper circadian rhythm. It's best to put your lights on a timer so that your fish can settle into a routine.
A good rule of thumb when working out how much food to offer your fish is to see what they can dispose of per minute. If they finish all you offer in under a minute then you are giving the right amount of food. If it's taking more than a minute then you're definitely offering too much food.
How do I know if my fish is hungry? ›If your fish are digging around in the substrate, clearly searching for something, chances are that they are hungry. Fish that go to scavenge, but don't usually scavenge, or go inspect the top of the aquarium, something they wouldn't usually do, are both indications of hunger.
What is the best food for Tetra fish? ›Food For Tetra
Most tetras are omnivorous and will thrive on Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Shrimp Pellets and Tropical Granules. Frozen and live foods can be used as treats to induce spawning. Twist their diet daily and feed only what they can consume within 2 minutes, once or twice a day for the best result.
If dissolved oxygen levels are low, fish hang at the surface and gasp, as the surface area has the highest oxygen level in the tank because its in contact with the air. If low oxygen levels are to blame and you don't remedy the situation many common species of fish like tetras will die.
How often do you need to clean a tetra tank? ›You should do a 25% water change every two to four weeks. There is no reason to remove the fish during the water change. Make sure you stir the gravel or use a gravel cleaner during the water change.
Why are my tetras dying after water change? ›Large water changes that include more than 60% water change, rinsing gravel, cleaning filter media lead to a complete, massive change in the water chemistry. Fishes when put in these new conditions, lead to temperature shock, stress, loss of appetite, and then death.
What is the best time to feed fish? ›When Should I Feed My Fish? In nature, most fish feed in the early morning and at dusk. Exceptions are herbivores and omnivores that forage throughout the day, and nocturnal species. Although aquarium fish can be fed at any time of day, morning and evening feedings are best.
How long should my aquarium light be on? ›
How long should I keep my aquarium lights on? To provide animals and plants the lighting they need, 10 to 12 hours a day is sufficient. Installing a timer or purchasing a unit with integrated timing can make lighting easier––just set it and forget it. Keep in mind algae loves light as well.
Can tetras go 2 days without food? ›In a pinch, tetras can go without food for anywhere between 1 – 2 weeks but only if they are being regularly fed several times a day in the days leading up to this time period. Neon Tetras can live up to an average of a week without food in normal set up tank, while they can live up to three weeks on a planted tank.
How much Tetra Safestart for a 10 gallon tank? ›For healthy maintenance, add one teaspoon (5ml) for every 10 gallons when adding fish, after water changes or after replacing filter media.
How often can you add new fish to a tank? ›You generally want to wait at least two weeks between introducing new additions to your fish tank. This gives time for the biological filter to get caught up again. This time also allows the new fish to get used to the fish tank, and the older, more established fish to get used to the new additions to your fish tank.
What does a stressed Tetra look like? ›Your neon tetras are losing color
Your neon tetra's losing its color indicates stress in your fish. Stress caused due to poor water conditions and lack of light in the tank can make your tetras lose their color and look pale.
1. Black Neon Tetra. This underrated fish is one of our absolute favorites to recommend to both beginners and seasoned aquarists because they are so hardy and practically bulletproof.
How many tetras can you put in a 10 gallon tank? ›As a general rule, you can keep 6 or 7 of them in a 10-gallon fish tank. Keeping any more than this is known as 'overcrowding' and is full of potential problems. But it should also be noted that neon tetra is schooling fish and prefer to be kept in larger numbers in bigger tanks.
What plants do tetras need? ›They love tall plants like Ludwigia repens, Brazilian pennywort (also works as a floating plant), vallisneria, cabomba or Cryptocoryne wendtii. Neons also like floating plants like frogbit, dwarf water lettuce or red river floaters. They'll swim around in the roots that hang down into the water column.
Do tetras need special food? ›Being omnivores, Neon Tetras aren't fussy at all when it comes to food. They'll happily guzzle up various small invertebrates, like filamentous algae, crustaceans, invertebrates, fallen fruits, carrion, and more.
Should you leave lights off when adding new fish? ›Before adding your new fish, turn your aquarium lights off. You may want to dim the lights in the room as well. This will create a less stressful environment.
Should new fish be kept in dark? ›
Turn the lights off – remember, your fish has been kept dark on the journey home so make sure you turn off those bright fluorescent tubes above your aquarium. Equalise the temperature – float your fish bag on the surface of your aquarium for 20–30 minutes.
What is new tank syndrome? ›New Tank Syndrome is a term used to describe problems that occur due to the build-up of invisible, toxic compounds in an aquarium. It gets its name as the issue is most likely to occur when your filter is maturing when starting a new aquarium.
Is spring or distilled water better for fish tank? ›Usually distilled water is NOT good for fish. This option removed all the beneficial buffers, therefore setting your kH to ZERO and setting your tank up for Old Tank Syndrome. The best bottled water for fish tanks is usually spring water.
Can I put bottled water in my fish tank? ›Bottled Water
Bottled water is typically either well water, filtered water or spring water. It may have gone through filters that remove some of its beneficial components, or it may have extra minerals that are unhealthy for fish. You would need to test and adjust it before using it in your tank.
After this 24-48 hour period, you can immediately add fish once you have added Tetra AquaSafe® to the water. When you do add your fish, float them in a plastic container for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the water temperature in the bag to be the same as the water temperature in your aquarium.
What is the best food for Serpae Tetra? ›Serpae Tetras are omnivores by nature. In the wild, they typically eat plant matter and insect larvae floating on the surface of the water. In captivity, they are happy with just about anything you provide. You can choose to feed your fish a regular diet of high-quality flakes or pellets.
Are Serpae tetras hardy? ›Serpae tetras are another on of those very hardy type larger tetras. Their distinctive red colour, hardiness and peaceful nature makes them an ideal choice for a tropical community aquarium, or even in a cold water set up in some parts where the climate is suitable.
How often should I feed my Serpae tetras? ›Serpae Tetras need us to feed them multiple times during a day, but an aquarist must keep in mind to only give them food which they can consume in 3 minutes or less at each feeding, as otherwise, they would be overfed.
What is the lifespan of a serpae tetra? ›Filtering through peat moss can also be helpful. The eggs hatch in about 2 days. The average lifespan for a serpae tetra is about seven years.
Why are my Serpae Tetras fighting? ›It is just their nature. The docile Neon tetras can become aggressive to each other if you have fewer than half a dozen of them. I've seen aggression in Neons in my small 5 gallon tank where I kept 1 betta, 4 neons, 1 cory and 2 black neons. The aggression stopped when I add 2 more neons.
What temperature is too hot for tetras? ›
If the water temperature gets above 78 degrees, it becomes too warm for your neon tetras. These temperatures can also result in devastating effects.
How many times a day should I feed my tetras? ›You should feed your fish two to three times daily. A few flakes per fish is sufficient.
Are tetra fish good for beginners? ›Tetras are some of best fishes for beginners. For the ease of taking care, feeding, and keeping them healthy, you will have an effortless time starting out on your way to having an aquarium you'll be proud to show to your friends.
Do tetras grow fast? ›Tetras fry is small and thin. Adult tetras can grow up to 1.5-2 inches. They grow slowly, and they may only reach 0.25 inches after the 2 months they are born. Generally speaking, tetra fry takes about 8-12 months to be matured.
What else can I feed my tetra fish? ›- Brine Shrimp.
- Earthworm.
- Maggots.
- Daphnia.
- Frozen Blood Worms.
- Fish Flakes.
- Tubifex Worms.
- Mysis Shrimp.
We recommend keeping a group of 5 to 7.
Keep an eye on the group and take out any aggressors that cause harm or make it hard for other fish to eat. Aside from other Serpae Tetras, these fish are compatible with other fast-moving peaceful fish. It's best to avoid slow fish that could be targeted for fin nipping.
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Ich is just about the most common disease that affects freshwater tropical and coldwater fish. Ich is caused by the parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a protozoan that is usually present in most aquariums. Ich doesn't attack healthy fish.
Serpae tetras are another on of those very hardy type larger tetras. Their distinctive red colour, hardiness and peaceful nature makes them an ideal choice for a tropical community aquarium, or even in a cold water set up in some parts where the climate is suitable.
What does a stressed tetra look like? ›Your neon tetras are losing color
Your neon tetra's losing its color indicates stress in your fish. Stress caused due to poor water conditions and lack of light in the tank can make your tetras lose their color and look pale.
I use TetraMin Tropical Flakes as main diet for my platies, mollies, and neon tetras. The fish love this food. I tried several different brands, and they did not like any of them as much as they like these flakes.