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.
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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.
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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.
