Tank Setup
- Tank size: 20 gallons minimum for a school of 8. Their semi-aggressive nature means they need space to establish territories within the school.
- Plants: Heavily planted tanks with plenty of visual barriers help reduce aggression
- Substrate: Dark substrate makes their red coloration pop
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- GH: 5–15 dGH
Managing Fin Nipping
Serpae tetras are notorious fin nippers, but this behavior can be managed:
- Keep 8+ together: In large groups, they establish a pecking order within the school and direct aggression inward rather than at tank mates
- Avoid long-finned fish: Bettas, angelfish, fancy guppies, and gouramis are targets
- Provide space: Overcrowded tanks increase aggression
- Dense planting: Visual barriers break lines of sight and reduce chasing
Tank Mates
Best with other robust, fast-moving fish:
- Other semi-aggressive tetras (black skirt, Buenos Aires)
- Barbs (cherry barbs, tiger barbs)
- Bottom dwellers (corydoras, bristlenose plecos, kuhli loaches)
Absolutely avoid with any slow-moving, long-finned fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are serpae tetras aggressive?
They are fin nippers more than truly aggressive. In schools of 8+ with appropriate tank mates, the nipping is usually contained within the school and is rarely harmful.