SERPAE

Introduction • Common Name: Serpae Tetra • Origin: Native to the Amazon River Basin, particularly in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, where they inhabit slow-moving streams and flooded areas. Physical Characteristics • Appearance: The Serpae Tetra features a striking red-orange body with a distinctive black spot near the base of its tail. Its fins are typically transparent with a hint of red, contributing to its colorful appearance. • Size: Adults usually reach about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. • Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for around 5 years in captivity. Habitat Requirements • Tank Size: A minimum of 15 gallons is recommended for a small school, but larger tanks are ideal for stability and swimming space. • Water Conditions: o Temperature: Thrives in warmer water, ideally between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). o pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, typically around 6.0 to 7.5. o Water Hardness: Enjoys soft to moderately hard water (2-15 dGH). • Aquascaping: A well-planted tank with plenty of open swimming areas and hiding spots is recommended. Using driftwood and leaf litter can help replicate their natural habitat. Diet • Feeding: The Serpae Tetra is omnivorous and enjoys a varied diet. • Food Options: High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp are ideal. • Feeding Frequency: Feed small portions 1-2 times a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes. Behavior and Compatibility • Temperament: Generally peaceful, but they can exhibit nippy behavior if kept in small groups or if they feel threatened. Keeping them in schools of at least 6-8 individuals helps mitigate this. • Tank Mates: Serpae Tetras can coexist well with other small, peaceful fish, such as other tetras, rasboras, and small cichlids. • Incompatibilities: Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species that may intimidate or harm them. Care Level • Difficulty: Suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists due to their adaptability and hardiness. • Maintenance: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain optimal water quality, along with a good filtration system. Breeding • Reproduction: Breeding Serpae Tetras can be done in a home aquarium, but they require specific conditions for successful spawning. • Breeding Setup: A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops is ideal. Maintain soft, slightly acidic water with a temperature around 78°F (26°C). • Breeding Behavior: Males will court females, leading to the scattering of eggs among the plants. After spawning, it’s advisable to remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. • Fry Care: Fry typically hatch within 24-36 hours and should be fed infusoria or powdered fry food until they grow large enough for finely crushed flakes. Health and Disease • Common Issues: While generally healthy, Serpae Tetras can be susceptible to common aquarium diseases such as ich and fin rot if not kept in optimal conditions. • Prevention: Maintaining stable water parameters, performing regular maintenance, and providing a nutritious diet are crucial for disease prevention. Conclusion The Serpae Tetra is a vibrant and active addition to any community aquarium, known for its striking colors and engaging behavior. By providing suitable care, a well-maintained environment, and compatible tank mates, these tetras can thrive and enhance the visual appeal of your aquarium. Their schooling nature and lively disposition make them a delightful species to observe, contributing to a dynamic aquatic ecosystem.