Hyphessobrycon eques, commonly known as the Serpae Tetra or Red Minor Tetra, is a popular freshwater fish known for its bright red coloration and lively behavior in community aquariums.
Overview
Hyphessobrycon eques, commonly known as the Serpae Tetra, Red Minor Tetra, or Callistus Tetra, is a freshwater species native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin. This tetra is widely appreciated for its striking red coloration and the black mark on its gill cover, giving it a distinctive look among aquarium fish. With a typical size of 4-5 cm, these active and hardy fish are a popular choice for community aquariums. Their average lifespan ranges from 5 to 6 years under good care.
Tank Requirements
Serpae Tetras are best kept in a well-planted aquarium of at least 60 liters, with plenty of swimming space and areas of subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat. They prefer water temperatures between 24-28°C, a pH range of 5.5-7.5, and general hardness (GH) between 3-10 dGH. A soft substrate and driftwood can help replicate their natural environment. As schooling fish, Serpae Tetras should be kept in groups of at least six to reduce stress and prevent aggressive behavior towards tank mates.
Feeding and Diet
Hyphessobrycon eques are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed a balanced diet of high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Feeding them small amounts 2-3 times a day will ensure their vibrant colors and active behavior. It's important to maintain a varied diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies and keep the fish healthy.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for Serpae Tetras involves regular tank maintenance and water quality monitoring. Weekly water changes of 20-30% are recommended to keep the water clean and free from toxins. Due to their active nature, they thrive in aquariums with moderate water flow. The tank should have a secure lid as these tetras can jump when startled. Keeping water parameters stable and ensuring a healthy diet will help prevent common diseases and keep the fish in good condition.
Compatibility
Serpae Tetras can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish, but care should be taken when selecting tank mates. They are known to be fin-nippers, so it's best to avoid keeping them with slow-moving, long-finned species like angelfish or guppies. Suitable tank mates include other tetras, rasboras, danios, and bottom-dwelling species such as Corydoras catfish. Keeping them in a larger group can reduce aggression and promote natural schooling behavior.
Breeding
Breeding Serpae Tetras in captivity is relatively straightforward but requires a separate breeding tank to increase success rates. The breeding tank should have soft, slightly acidic water with a pH around 6.5 and a temperature of 26-28°C. Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops should be provided for egg-laying. After spawning, adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within 24-36 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to consume newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.