By: Yvonne Garcia
 
Common Name: Serpae Tetra
 
Latin Name: Hyphessobrycon serpae
 
Origin: Central Amazon
 
Temperature: 73-80°F
 
Ease Of Keeping: Easy
 
Aggressivness: Peaceful
 
Adult Size: 2" (5cm)
 
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
 
Feeding: Woms, bbs, flake food
 
Spawning Method: Egg layer
 
Comments:

Males are much more slender than females

Serpaes are a very beautiful, and deeply red-colored fish. If stressed or sick, they will dull down in color almost to a grey with a slight hue of red. Feeding live foods and properly maintaining the quality of their water will make for a deeper red in color serpae.

Serpaes swim in all levels of the tank, but mainly stick to the middle. They are less aggressive if kept in a proper school of 6 or more, and usually only then, will they be aggressive amongst themselves while determining the pecking order. Once established, all chaos (if any) should be exhausted.

 

A personal opinion: I think Serpae Tetras and Tiger Barbs are a great combination to have in a well planted tank. The beautiful reds against the lush foilage makes for an outstanding color scheme.