Hyphessobrycon eques
Deep red body with a black comma marking behind the gill and bold black-and-white fins. Known fin-nipper, never house with bettas, angelfish, or long-finned gouramis. A tight shoal of 10+ keeps the aggression internal.
Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) reaches 4–5 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 90 L. Native to Amazon and Paraguay basins, it lives in the mid water column with a semi-aggressive (fin-nipper) temperament. Aim for 22–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–7 years with good care. Keep serpae tetra in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (adults pick at shrimplets).
Care at a glance
Deep red body with a black comma marking behind the gill and bold black-and-white fins. Known fin-nipper, never house with bettas, angelfish, or long-finned gouramis. A tight shoal of 10+ keeps the aggression internal.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether serpae tetra fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 8+
Characidae
Omnivore
Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm.
5–7 yrs
Medium
Amazon and Paraguay basins
Amazon and Paraguay basins
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) needs a minimum tank of 90 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (adults pick at shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Serpae Tetra are omnivore. Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–7 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
