Serpae tetra Care Guide

The Serpae tetra is a vibrant and social aquarium fish with distinct care requirements to ensure a healthy and thriving environment.

General Care

Serpae tetras are moderate in hardiness, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists. With a lifespan of approximately five years, they require a peaceful community setup to flourish. Although occasionally aggressive, maintaining them in a group of at least six will diffuse their aggression and foster natural schooling behavior. Regular monitoring of water parameters is essential to avoid stress-induced aggression. Conduct water changes and maintain proper filtration to ensure a stable ecosystem.

Feeding

These omnivorous fish thrive on a varied diet. Feed them high-quality flakes and pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Incorporate vegetable matter, algae wafers, and freeze-dried foods to provide a balanced diet. Feeding them color-enhancing food helps maintain and boost their vibrant hues. Distribute small portions two to three times a day, ensuring all food is consumed promptly to maintain water quality.

Tank Setup

Maintaining water conditions with a pH between 6 and 7.5 and a temperature range of 22°C to 26°C is crucial for their well-being. The tank should have a minimum of 5 liters of water per fish, and it is advisable to house Serpae tetras with aquatic plants that offer hiding spots and an enriching environment. They are known to dwell in all areas of the tank, so provide a balanced habitat with surface, mid-level, and bottom spaces. Avoid overly bright lighting, as they prefer shaded areas created by plants and decor.

Breeding

Successfully breeding Serpae tetras in captivity requires a separate breeding setup with soft, slightly acidic water. A well-planted tank with spaces for female tetras to hide from males is essential. Follow a breeding-specific diet and perform gradual water changes to stimulate spawning. Remove adult fish post-spawning to prevent the consumption of eggs and fry. Once free-swimming, the fry can be fed infusoria, liquid fry food, and eventually baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Regular maintenance and attentive care will support a thriving tank of Serpae tetras, rewarding aquarists with their dynamic presence and vibrant colors.