Surpae Tetra

Serpae Tetra | Hyphessobrycon eques: A Colourful, Active Fish for Planted Aquariums

The Serpae Tetra, also known as the Blood Tetra or Red Minor Tetra, is a South American characin found in the Amazon basin, including areas of Paraguay and Peru. It is known for red colour variations and markings, and grows to around 4–4.5 cm. With suitable care, it can live for up to five years. Adult females are fuller-bodied and may show brighter colours.

Serpae Tetras are generally suited to community aquariums, but they may nip one another’s fins, particularly around feeding time. Provide a spacious, planted aquarium with shaded areas along the sides and back, as well as open swimming space. They are omnivores and eat a varied diet. Breeding is relatively easy when suitable water conditions are provided.

Specifications: Serpae Tetra | Hyphessobrycon eques

• Common name: Serpae Tetra

• Other common names: Blood Tetra, Red Minor Tetra

• Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon eques

• Origin: South America; Amazon basin, including areas of Paraguay and Peru

• Adult size: approximately 4–4.5 cm

• Temperament: Social; may nip fins, especially during feeding

• Minimum aquarium size: 70 litres

• Group and stocking guidance: 5–6 fish in an 80-litre aquarium

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Water hardness: 3–12 NK°

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts live, frozen and quality dry foods

• Breeding: Relatively easy under suitable conditions

• Sex differences: Adult females are fuller-bodied and may have brighter colours

• Expected lifespan: Up to approximately 5 years with suitable care

How to Keep Serpae Tetras

1. Use an aquarium of at least 70 litres; the source suggests 5–6 fish in an 80-litre aquarium.

2. Provide dense planting along the sides and back, shaded areas and open space for swimming.

3. Maintain the water temperature between 24–28°C, pH between 5.5–7.5 and hardness between 3–12 NK°.

4. Offer a varied omnivorous diet, including suitable live, frozen and quality dry foods.

5. Choose tankmates carefully and watch for fin-nipping, particularly during feeding.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Provide enough space and planting so the fish have both cover and open swimming areas.

• Keep water conditions within the recommended temperature, pH and hardness ranges.

• Offer a varied diet; the species accepts live foods, frozen foods and quality dry food.

• Monitor the group for fin-nipping, which may occur during feeding.

• Soft water with a neutral or slightly acidic pH supports breeding.