Red Serpae Tetra – Hyphessobrycon eques
Red Serpae Tetra – Hyphessobrycon eques
The Red Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is a bold and active freshwater schooling fish known for its bright red coloration, black accents, and energetic personality. This eye-catching tetra brings movement, color, and activity to larger community aquariums and planted freshwater setups.
Red Serpae Tetras are best suited for aquarists who want a lively schooling fish with strong visual impact. They are active and full of personality, but they can be nippy, so proper group size and suitable tankmates are important for long-term success.
Key Features
- Bright red freshwater tetra
- Active schooling fish with bold color
- Great for larger community aquariums
- Strong contrast against live plants and darker backgrounds
- Best kept in groups of 8–10 or more
- Good choice for hobbyists who enjoy active fish
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon eques
- Common Name: Red Serpae Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Semi-peaceful; can be nippy
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Temperament Note
Red Serpae Tetras are active and colorful, but they can nip fins, especially when kept in small groups or with slow-moving long-finned fish. Keeping them in larger groups of 8–10 or more helps spread out chasing and encourages more natural schooling behavior.
They are best housed with active, appropriately sized community fish rather than delicate or slow tankmates.
Why Choose Red Serpae Tetras?
Red Serpae Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want bright color and constant activity. Their red bodies stand out beautifully in planted aquariums, especially against green plants, driftwood, and darker backgrounds.
They bring more movement and attitude than many calmer tetra species, making them a fun option for community tanks designed around active fish.
Ideal Tank Setup
Red Serpae Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space, live plants, and areas of cover. A 20 gallon or larger tank is recommended so the group has enough room to move and establish social order.
Use plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds to create a secure environment while leaving open areas for schooling activity. Good filtration and regular water changes help maintain healthy color and behavior.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other active tetras of similar size
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful barbs
- Rainbowfish
- Danios
- Active livebearers
- Snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Betta fish
- Guppies with long flowing tails
- Longfin tetras or longfin danios
- Angelfish with long fins
- Slow-moving or delicate fish
- Very small nano fish
- Large aggressive predators
Diet & Feeding
Red Serpae Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support strong red coloration, healthy activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 8–10 or more when possible
- Avoid slow or long-finned tankmates
- Provide open swimming space
- Add plants and decor for security
- Maintain clean, stable water conditions
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Serpae Tetras peaceful?
Red Serpae Tetras are active and semi-peaceful, but they can be nippy. They do best in larger groups with active, appropriately sized tankmates.
How many Red Serpae Tetras should I keep together?
Keep them in groups of at least 8–10 when possible. Larger groups help reduce fin nipping and encourage better schooling behavior.
Are Red Serpae Tetras good for beginners?
They can be beginner-friendly in a properly sized aquarium, but tankmate selection is important because they may nip slow or long-finned fish.
Can Red Serpae Tetras live in planted tanks?
Yes. They look excellent in planted aquariums with open swimming areas and plenty of cover.
What fish should I avoid with Red Serpae Tetras?
Avoid slow-moving long-finned fish such as bettas, fancy guppies, longfin varieties, and delicate fish that may be stressed by active tankmates.
What do Red Serpae Tetras eat?
They eat flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for color and activity.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Red Serpae Tetras are bold active schooling fish for planted aquariums, larger community tanks, and freshwater displays with suitable tankmates. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, schooling fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Out of stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: