Serpae Tetra Longfin
Serpae Tetra Longfin
Serpae Tetra Longfin (Hyphessobrycon eques) is the longfin form of the Serpae Tetra — the same vivid blood-red body and black shoulder spot with dramatically extended flowing fins. All care requirements and the fin-nipping tendency are identical to the standard Serpae. Eques means 'horseman' in Latin.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Same native range as standard Serpae — Amazon and Madeira basins. The longfin form requires clean water and gentle flow to maintain fin integrity. Ironically, a longfin Serpae's own extended fins can be damaged by standard Serpae Tetras if mixed.
Keep in groups of 10 or more — the fin-nipping tendency is the same as the standard form. Do not mix with standard Serpae Tetras as the longfin's extended fins become nipping targets. No fin-nipping tankmates of any kind.
The vivid Serpae coloration with additional fin drama — but requiring careful management of group composition.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Active — fin-nipper in small groups; 10+ essential |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum — no fin-nippers |
| Ideal Temp | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 5–25 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Amazon and Madeira basins (captive longfin strain) |
| Notes | Longfin Serpae — extended flowing fins. 10+ minimum. Do not mix with standard Serpae. Eques = horseman. |
