Super Red Serpae Tetra

About the Super Red Serpae Tetra

The Super Red Serpae Tetra is a brilliantly coloured freshwater fish, prized for its intense ruby-red body, flowing black dorsal fin, and energetic schooling behaviour. A selectively bred enhancement of the classic Serpae Tetra, this vibrant variety displays richer red colouration, making it a stunning addition to planted aquariums and tropical community tanks.

Native to the Amazon River Basin of South America, Serpae Tetras naturally inhabit slow-moving streams and densely vegetated waterways. They thrive in aquariums with driftwood, live plants, subdued lighting, and open swimming areas where they can school together. Keeping them in groups of at least eight helps reduce fin-nipping behaviour and encourages more natural interactions.

The Super Red Serpae Tetra is an active omnivore that readily accepts quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small live or frozen foods. With proper care, their brilliant red colour becomes even more intense, creating an eye-catching display in any freshwater aquarium.

Hardy, colourful, and constantly active, the Super Red Serpae Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add movement and vibrant colour to their community aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hyphessobrycon eques

Common Name

Super Red Serpae Tetra

Origin

Amazon River Basin, South America

Adult Size

4–5 cm

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

5–7 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums and larger community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Super Red Serpae Tetras aggressive?

They can be mildly fin-nippy if kept in small numbers. Keeping them in schools of at least eight significantly reduces this behaviour.

What do Super Red Serpae Tetras eat?

They thrive on quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other protein-rich foods.

Can Super Red Serpae Tetras live with Angelfish?

Generally, no. Their fin-nipping behaviour may damage the long fins of Angelfish, Bettas, and other slow-swimming species.

How many Super Red Serpae Tetras should I keep?

A minimum group of eight is recommended, with larger schools providing better behaviour and more impressive displays.

Why are my Super Red Serpae Tetras losing colour?

Stress, poor water quality, an inadequate diet, or keeping too few fish can cause colours to fade. A varied diet and excellent water quality will maximise their vibrant red colouration.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Small groups often become more aggressive and are more likely to nip the fins of other fish.

Housing them with long-finned species

Avoid keeping them with Bettas, Angelfish, or fancy Gouramis due to the risk of fin-nipping.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential for maintaining healthy, colourful fish.

Feeding only dry foods

A varied diet including frozen and live foods helps maximise colour and health.

Overcrowding the aquarium

Provide plenty of swimming space and dense planting to reduce stress and aggression.