Serpae Tetra

The parent of the long-fin serpae tetra, with the same color but shorter fins, the serpae tetra is more peaceful (and less expensive) than the long-fin variety. The serpae tetra is often called the red minor tetra in the fish trade, but less and less often. Looks like that will be one of those common names that will go by the wayside.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them plants along the back and sides, open swimming space in front and a dark substrate, which brings out their color. Keep a lid on the tank, since tetras can jump.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They get along with most peaceful community fish of similar size, such as other tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis and livebearers.

Good to know: Tetras feel safer and show better color in a group. A larger school also spreads out any chasing.