We've got 2 new arrivals this week for you: the Orange Von Rio Tetra and the Long-Fin Serpae Tetra. Both are mid-tank dwellers that do best in schools of 6 or more. Read on for more information on each:
The Orange Von Rio Tetra are a very hardy fish, which makes it great for beginning hobbyists. It can handle a wide range of temperatures, will eat almost anything, and is a peaceful schooling fish.
Temperature Range: 72-82
Size: 1.5" as adult
Life Span: 3-5 years
Diet: Omnivore - likes flake and live food; brine shrimp and blood worms are good treats
Habitat and Tankmates: The Orange Von Rio Tetra likes slow-moving waters. Dim lighting will help the tetra develop its signature orange/bright red coloring too. These fish are happiest in a school of 6 or more and get along well with rasboras, danios, other tetras and bottom dwellers.
Coloring: The fish has sides that are bronze to red with a back and fins that are bright red. Males tend to smaller and have black edging on their anal fin.
The Long-Fin Serpae Tetra was bred to develop long, flowing fins. Similar in color to its parent fish, the Serpae Tetra, it does tend to be more aggressive. Sometimes, especially near feeding time or if it's in a small group of less than 6, it will chase and nip at smaller peaceful fish.
Temperature Range: 72-79
Size: 2.5 inches as adult
Lifespan: 5 years
Diet: Omnivore; the Long-Fin Serpae Tetra enjoys live and flake food; brine shrimp and blood worms make good treats.
Habitat & Tankmates: This tetra enjoys slow moving waters, like lakes and backwaters. For that reason, dark substrate and low lighting are recommended. The fish should be in a school of 6 or more. They like to play, so have an open swimming area but also plants, rocks, and/or caves for them too. These fish will do better with larger tetras, barbs, danios and bottom dwellers.
Coloring: Long-Fin Serpae Tetras are black, white and red. Their colors will fade as they age. Males tend to have a fully black dorsal fin.