Characidae Tetras
General Information
Most tetras are peaceful schooling fish. They come in a wide range of colors and are generally easy to keep. Many come from South America and prefer soft water.
A few species of tetras can be grow large and some have a tendency to nip at each other's fins.
Most, if not all are tropical fish.
A few species of tetras can be grow large and some have a tendency to nip at each other's fins.
Most, if not all are tropical fish.
Serpae (Red Minor)
Description: A typical tetra shape. Its body has a beautiful reddish color
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon eques
Natural Habitat: Madeira and Guaporé regions of the Amazon river, and in Northern Paraguay
Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended, densely planted
Water Parameters: Preferably soft water but will tolerate somewhat harder water; Roughly 73-78 F;
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive, Schooling (kept in groups of 6 or more is best)
Lifespan: Roughly 3-7 years
Feeding: Basically omnivorous (with a leaning towards the more carnivorous). A basic staple diet such as Hikari Micro Wafers, Spirulina 20, or HBH Tropical fish foods, supplemented with Spirulina based foods as well as higher protein sources such as Frozen/FD Brine Shrimp or Worms
Contributor Notes (by Goldenpuon from Everything Aquatic):
Serpae tetras have a reputation for being major fin nippers. This can be true but it depends on the size of the tank, fish they are kept with, the number of individuals in their school, stress, and a variety of other factors. A large tank with plenty of plant cover is best. Because of their aggressive tendencies, I would not recommend them as a first fish.
Serpae tetras are fairly under-demanding and breed fairly easily. Females and males are nearly impossible to tell apart. However, females are generally plumper in appearance and males slightly more colorful. They do not produce a large amount of waste but need a well maintained and filtered aquarium to do well. They accept a wide variety of foods and are not picky eaters. Serpae tetras are hardy fish but prone to disease if not kept well like any other fish is.
These tetras prefer soft water but will tolerate a more neutral water. Additions to their water such as Acid Buffers (such as Indian Almond Leaf Extract) and calcium/mineral supplements (such as Replenish or Wonder Shells) are beneficial. Serpae tetras are tropical fish and require heated water.
Serpae tetras also come in a long finned variety. Their appearance is fairly similar to that of the red phantom tetra.
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon eques
Natural Habitat: Madeira and Guaporé regions of the Amazon river, and in Northern Paraguay
Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended, densely planted
Water Parameters: Preferably soft water but will tolerate somewhat harder water; Roughly 73-78 F;
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive, Schooling (kept in groups of 6 or more is best)
Lifespan: Roughly 3-7 years
Feeding: Basically omnivorous (with a leaning towards the more carnivorous). A basic staple diet such as Hikari Micro Wafers, Spirulina 20, or HBH Tropical fish foods, supplemented with Spirulina based foods as well as higher protein sources such as Frozen/FD Brine Shrimp or Worms
Contributor Notes (by Goldenpuon from Everything Aquatic):
Serpae tetras have a reputation for being major fin nippers. This can be true but it depends on the size of the tank, fish they are kept with, the number of individuals in their school, stress, and a variety of other factors. A large tank with plenty of plant cover is best. Because of their aggressive tendencies, I would not recommend them as a first fish.
Serpae tetras are fairly under-demanding and breed fairly easily. Females and males are nearly impossible to tell apart. However, females are generally plumper in appearance and males slightly more colorful. They do not produce a large amount of waste but need a well maintained and filtered aquarium to do well. They accept a wide variety of foods and are not picky eaters. Serpae tetras are hardy fish but prone to disease if not kept well like any other fish is.
These tetras prefer soft water but will tolerate a more neutral water. Additions to their water such as Acid Buffers (such as Indian Almond Leaf Extract) and calcium/mineral supplements (such as Replenish or Wonder Shells) are beneficial. Serpae tetras are tropical fish and require heated water.
Serpae tetras also come in a long finned variety. Their appearance is fairly similar to that of the red phantom tetra.
Black Phantom
Description: A typical tetra shape. A tall, narrow bodied fish
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Natural Habitat: Mamore basins in Brazil and Bolivia; as well as Paraguay, and Guaporé
Maximum Size: 1.5- 2 inches
Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended, densely planted (although 10 gallon tanks that are mixed with different fish to provide a “dither” environment will generally work with these Tetras)
Water Parameters: Preferably soft water but will tolerate somewhat harder water; Roughly 73-78 F;
Temperament: Generally peaceful, Schooling (kept in groups of 6 or more is best)
Lifespan: Roughly 3-7 years
Feeding: Basically omnivorous (with a leaning towards the more carnivorous). A basic staple diet such as Hikari Micro Wafers, Aqueon or HBH Tropical fish foods, supplemented with Spirulina based foods as well as higher protein sources such as Frozen/ FD Brine Shrimp or Worms.
Contributor Notes (by Goldenpuon from Everything Aquatic): Black phantom tetras are a tall, narrow bodied fish. Males have somewhat longer fins and generally more aggressive. Females have red pelvic and anal fins. Their body color ranges from tan, to grey, to a light black depending on mood and health. Black Phantom tetras prefer dimmer lighting and soft water. They can however, tolerate more neutral water. Additions to their water such as Acid Buffers (such as Indian Almond Leaf Extract) and calcium/mineral supplements (such as Replenish or Wonder Shells) are beneficial.
They are highly adaptable but capable of getting sick if not properly cared for. Plants and hiding spots are highly recommended, especially in a smaller aquarium with many males. Black Phantom Tetras are considered fairly difficult to breed. They are not picky eaters and do not produce a large amount of waste. They display feeding frenzy behaviors similar to that of piranhas during feeding time. These fish require a heater and prefer temperatures in the mid-70's.
These fish feel most at ease in a school. However the males feel a need to have their own space, particularly in a small aquarium. Males often flare out their fins and brighten their colors in territorial display. However, aside from minor injuries, they generally do no harm. A larger aquarium with a large number of individuals will decrease aggression.
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Natural Habitat: Mamore basins in Brazil and Bolivia; as well as Paraguay, and Guaporé
Maximum Size: 1.5- 2 inches
Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended, densely planted (although 10 gallon tanks that are mixed with different fish to provide a “dither” environment will generally work with these Tetras)
Water Parameters: Preferably soft water but will tolerate somewhat harder water; Roughly 73-78 F;
Temperament: Generally peaceful, Schooling (kept in groups of 6 or more is best)
Lifespan: Roughly 3-7 years
Feeding: Basically omnivorous (with a leaning towards the more carnivorous). A basic staple diet such as Hikari Micro Wafers, Aqueon or HBH Tropical fish foods, supplemented with Spirulina based foods as well as higher protein sources such as Frozen/ FD Brine Shrimp or Worms.
Contributor Notes (by Goldenpuon from Everything Aquatic): Black phantom tetras are a tall, narrow bodied fish. Males have somewhat longer fins and generally more aggressive. Females have red pelvic and anal fins. Their body color ranges from tan, to grey, to a light black depending on mood and health. Black Phantom tetras prefer dimmer lighting and soft water. They can however, tolerate more neutral water. Additions to their water such as Acid Buffers (such as Indian Almond Leaf Extract) and calcium/mineral supplements (such as Replenish or Wonder Shells) are beneficial.
They are highly adaptable but capable of getting sick if not properly cared for. Plants and hiding spots are highly recommended, especially in a smaller aquarium with many males. Black Phantom Tetras are considered fairly difficult to breed. They are not picky eaters and do not produce a large amount of waste. They display feeding frenzy behaviors similar to that of piranhas during feeding time. These fish require a heater and prefer temperatures in the mid-70's.
These fish feel most at ease in a school. However the males feel a need to have their own space, particularly in a small aquarium. Males often flare out their fins and brighten their colors in territorial display. However, aside from minor injuries, they generally do no harm. A larger aquarium with a large number of individuals will decrease aggression.