Can Serpae Tetra Live With Black Skirt Tetra?
Serpae Tetra and Black Skirt Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 72–82°F.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Serpae Tetra | Black Skirt Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 70–82°F | 72–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 5.5–7.5 | 6–7.5 | 6–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | semi-aggressive | peaceful | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 1.75" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 15 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Serpae Tetra + Black Skirt Tetra
To keep Serpae Tetra and Black Skirt Tetra together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Serpae Tetra should be kept in a school of 8+. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Serpae tetras are vibrant blood-red schooling fish with a distinctive black comma-shaped marking behind the gill plate. While beautiful, they have a reputation as fin nippers — especially in small groups. Keeping them in schools of 8+ in a spacious tank significantly reduces this behavior. They add bold color to community tanks when kept properly.
Full care guide →Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Black skirt tetras (also sold as black widow tetras) are hardy, easy-to-care-for schooling fish with a distinctive flowing black anal fin that gives them their name. They come in natural silver-and-black and various dyed/modified versions (GloFish). The natural form is the healthiest choice. They can be mild fin nippers in small groups but are generally well-behaved community fish.
Full care guide →