Why are my Serpae Tetras constantly chasing each other?

This is entirely natural behaviour. Serpae Tetras are hierarchical and the males frequently engage in sparring displays to establish dominance within the shoal. As long as no severe damage is being done, it is part of their normal social dynamic.

Can I keep Serpae Tetras with Angelfish or Bettas?

It is highly discouraged. Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers and will almost certainly target the long, trailing fins of slow-moving species like Angelfish and Bettas, causing severe stress and injury.

How many Serpae Tetras should I keep together?

You should keep an absolute minimum of six, but a group of eight to twelve is far better. A larger shoal helps disperse their natural aggression among themselves, significantly reducing the chances of them harassing other tankmates.

Why is my Serpae Tetra losing its bright red colour?

A pale Serpae Tetra is usually a stressed tetra. This can be caused by poor water quality, a lack of hiding spaces, overly bright lighting, a diet lacking in variety, or being kept in too small a group.

Will Serpae Tetras eat my aquarium plants?

No, they are highly unlikely to consume healthy plant matter. They are generally considered completely safe for planted aquariums and will greatly appreciate the cover the plants provide.

AI-generated illustration for OneShoal

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Serpae Tetra

Hyphessobrycon eques

A striking, fiery-red schooling fish known for its energetic behaviour, the Serpae Tetra is a beautiful addition to robust communities, though it carries a notorious reputation for fin-nipping.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 4 – 5 cm
80L minimum for a proper shoal: 80 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 7 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Dense planting with open swimming areas; dark substrate and floating plants recommended.

About the Serpae Tetra

The Serpae Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon eques*) is a long-standing staple of the aquarium hobby, prized for its vivid red hues and contrasting black markings. When healthy and settled, a shoal creates a dazzling display of colour and movement. However, their beauty comes with a caveat: they are notoriously boisterous. Often sold simply as 'Blood Tetras', they are not the quintessential peaceful community fish and require thoughtful stocking to ensure a harmonious aquarium.

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Where Serpae Tetra comes from

Native range

Amazon River Basin, Paraguay River Basin, Guaporé River

Countries / regions

Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia

Habitat

Sluggish tributaries, backwaters, ponds, and small lakes featuring dense marginal vegetation and submerged roots.

Widely distributed across South America, adapting to various minor tributaries and floodplains.

Similar species

Rosy Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Armoured, peaceful bottom-dwellers that occupy a different water level and have short fins, keeping them safe from nipping.
Great
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
Fast-moving, active fish with short fins that can easily outswim the occasional chase from a Serpae Tetra.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
Robust bottom-dweller that will be entirely ignored by the tetras.
Great
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Slow-moving with trailing pelvic fins that are highly tempting targets for Serpae Tetras; only attempt in very large, heavily planted tanks with a massive tetra shoal.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Classic victims of Serpae Tetra fin-nipping. Their long, trailing fins and sedate swimming style make them irresistible targets.
Not recommended
Betta
Betta splendens
Slow-moving with elaborate fins; will almost certainly be shredded and highly stressed by Serpae Tetras.
Not recommended

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