A larger 20-gallon tank provides that much-appreciated extra room. While they might be small, Serpae Tetras are big swimmers. However, we recommend starting with a tank size of 20 gallons for the best results. Some aquarists have seen great success raising small groups in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Thanks to their small size, Serpae Tetras don’t need the massive tanks that most tropical fish require.
#Serpae tetra full
Doing so will help the fish reach their full potential while reducing the risk of any health concerns. Like any fish, Serpae Tetras have some set conditions that you need to provide. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore care guidelines. And even though they’re highly active, they will rarely show signs of aggression. The water conditions they need are quite manageable and they require a straightforward diet. Serpae Tetra care is usually considered to be one of the easier tasks in the freshwater fishkeeping space. If you purchase your fish from a disreputable seller it’s far less likely that they’ll reach their maximum size. It is possible for larger specimens to reach a full 2 inches, but this is pretty rare (especially in captivity). The typical Serpae Tetra size when fully-grown is around 1.75 inches in length. They can also be a bit plumper ( especially true around breeding time). Usually, females are less vibrant than their male counterparts. There isn’t a ton of distinct differences between males and females. However, the vibrancy will improve or degrade based on their diet and environment. For the most part, the base colors remain unchanged.
The interesting thing about Serpae Tetras is that their colors can change multiple times throughout their lives. A light smattering of white on the tips is pretty common as well, giving these fish an almost hand-drawn appearance in your tank. However, rather than being covered in black, it’s predominantly red with black tips. This unique color pattern continues on the anal. If you look very closely, many fish also have white edges on their dorsal fin. There may be some slight redness on the base of the fin. On the top of the fish, you’ll notice a large square-shaped dorsal fin covered in dark black. Some specimens even lose it altogether as they get older.
Located just behind their gills, this spot can fluctuate in vibrancy. The most noticeable is the black comma-shaped spot on their sides. It creates a jewel-like luster that you can’t miss.īeyond their base color, the Serpae Tetra has several distinct patterns on their bodies. Their scales have a shiny finish that’s shimmers in the light. Either way, there’s one thing that all of these fish have in common. Some are more olive-brown while others take on a fiery scarlet hue. Base coloration can vary quite a bit with this species.
Most specimens take on a reddish-brown color. The most visually striking aspect of the Serpae Tetra is their color. They’re relatively flat but have a tall frame and a trapezoidal shape. Thus, they have that familiar profile as some other types of tetra species.
Serpae Tetras are part of the Characin family. Some owners who’ve given them fantastic care have seen them surpass the 7-year mark! Appearance Poor water conditions, a lackluster environment, and a less-than-stellar diet can shorten the life of the Serpae Tetra dramatically.Īuthor Note: It’s possible for them to exceed this expected lifespan as well. This can be impacted by the usual factors. For this family of fish, that life expectancy is pretty standard. The average Serpae Tetra lifespan in captivity is between 5 and 7 years. However, in a captive aquarium, they are the stars of the show. In the murky waters of their natural habitat, they spend most of their time taking shelter from predators below. Typically, they can be found in slow-moving backwaters. Serpae Tetras are endemic to the Amazon River basin in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia.