Serpae Tetras are popular flame-colored fish that move in bright red schools through your aquarium. They’re quite popular in a community aquarium because of their beauty and ease of care, though they can become mildly aggressive among slow-moving species. Add a school of six or more Serpae Tetras to your aquarium along with plants, rocks, and caves to keep them interested, and enjoy watching as they explore.
Characteristics
Family | Characidae |
Origin | Brazil and Paraguay |
Social | Peaceful schooling fish |
Tank Level | Mid dweller |
Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
Diet | Omnivore enjoys live foods |
Breeding | Egglayer |
Care | Easy |
pH | 5.0–7.8 |
Hardness | 5–25 dGH |
Temperature | 72–79 F (22–26 C) |
Serpae Tetras originate from the Amazon basin, inhabiting the Guaporé and Paraguay River basins in Argentina, Brazil, and upper Paraguay. Most specimens currently sold in the aquarium trade are captive bred rather than wild-caught; the species is not endangered. In the wild, this species prefers still and slow-moving backwaters such as lakes, ponds, and streams. They often congregate around tree roots and thick vegetation where they can find both safety and food.
This species is part of a group known as Blood Tetras, referring to their red coloration. Considerable confusion and debate have continued over species within this group, as they have strong similarities, and the study of its taxonomic status continues. They are very similar to, but not identical to, Hyphessobrycon swegles, also called the Red Phantom Tetra.