(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon Eques
Common Name: Serpae Tetra, Red Tetra, Red Minor Tetra
Adult Size: 1.5 inches
Life Expectancy: 7 years
Habitat: South America
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F
- pH Range: 6.5 - 7.5
- Water Hardness: 5 - 20
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet & Nutrition: Serpae Tetra, or Red Minor Tetra, will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods.
Breeding & Spawning: The Serpae Tetra has been bred in captivity and, in fact, a long fin variety has been developed. They are egg layers and easily bred, making them ideal candidates for the beginning aquarist interested in a breeding project. They reach a breeding age at about 8 to 10 months of age. However these are egg scattering spawners that exhibit no parental care. It is best to set up a dedicated breeding tank and remove the parents immediately after spawning or they will eat the eggs.
Gender: Males are more brightly colored than females, and their dorsal fin is almost solid black. Females lack color in the lower part of the fin. Also, females are fuller-bodied.