Serpae Tetra
Serpae Tetra
Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is one of the most widely kept and most controversial tetras — a vivid blood-red tetra with a bold black shoulder spot and black-edged dorsal fin. Eques means 'horseman' or 'knight' in Latin. The Serpae Tetra is a confirmed fin-nipper, particularly in small groups — in larger schools this behavior is greatly reduced as attention is distributed across the group.
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.
Native to the Amazon and Madeira River basins — one of the most widely distributed and prolific Hyphessobrycon species. Extremely hardy and adaptable.
Keep in groups of 10 or more — this is not optional for the Serpae Tetra. In groups under 8, the dominant individuals fixate on weaker fish and fin-nip persistently. In groups of 10+, the behavior is greatly reduced and the vivid red school is spectacular.
One of the most vivid red tetras available — the key is keeping enough of them. A large school of Serpae Tetras is a dramatic display.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Active — fin-nipper in small groups; 10+ recommended |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum — fin-nipping increases in smaller groups |
| 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 River basins, South America |
| Notes | Eques = horseman/knight. Vivid blood red + black shoulder spot. CONFIRMED FIN-NIPPER — 10+ minimum essential. Behavior greatly reduced in large groups. |
