Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Also sold as Red minor tetra · Serpae
Synonyms Callistus tetra · Jewel tetra · Blood tetra · Hyphessobrycon serpae · Hyphessobrycon callistus · Serpa tetra · Longfin serpae
Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 5.5–7.5, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 60 L (16 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 2–20 |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Serpae Tetra needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- Do not put it with Betta.
- It can go wrong with Angelfish — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It nips fins, so long-finned fish are a bad match.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 69% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–20.
How long does it live?
5–7 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Serpae Tetra | Black Phantom Tetra | Lemon Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 60 L | 60 L | 72 L |
| Group | 8+ | 6+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Yes | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tanktheaquariumwiki.com
- Mature tankaquariumsource.com
- What it eatsaquariumstoredepot.com
- What it eatsaquaticsunlimited.com
- aquariadise.com