Serpae Tetra
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A colorful, peaceful species that should be kept in schools. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
A mainstay of the tropical aquarium world for decades, this is a great community tank fish and beautiful fish than can be recommended to beginning aquarists. It should be kept in groups, ideally 5 to 7 or more. In small tank, a trio do much better than a single specimen. A school of 12 or more in a large planted tank is a wonderful sight.
Family: Characidae
Other common name(s):
- Jewel Tetra
Native range:
Habitat: Prefers quiet waters with plantings offering shelter along the back wall, some driftwood structure, and open swimming space in midground and front.
Maximum height: 3.1 cm (1 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Mid-water to top.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Will take most fishfoods, including bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and dried preparations including [[Spirulina]]. Color enhancing foods should be offered several times each week.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
A peaceful fish and one of the few that can be recommended as companions of Discus.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Oviparous, scattering adhesive eggs in bushy plants.
[edit] Notes
Formerly known as Hemigrammus serpae.
| Common name | Serpae Tetra +, and Jewel Tetra + |
| Family | Characidae + |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum height | 1 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | South America +, Amazon River Basin +, Guaporé River +, and Paraguay River Basin + |
| Specific name | eques + |
| Swimming level | Mid-water to top. + |
| Text credit | JL + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |