Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Also called Jewel tetra, Red minor tetra, Callistus tetra, Blood characin, Blood tetra
From South America: the Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia) and the Paraguay-La Plata basin (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and neighbours)123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled characin (tetra) with an adipose fin
A compact, deep-bodied tetra in reddish olive that brightens to scarlet along the sides. A black comma-shaped mark sits behind the gill cover, the dorsal fin is black, and the anal and tail fins are red. Females are rounder and slightly larger than males.32
Personality what they are like
A spirited, busy tetra with plenty of character. It can be nippy, so it is best kept in a large group and with robust, fast-moving tankmates rather than shy or long-finned fish.231
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very active; give open swimming room and plants around the edges. It naturally lives near plant stems in slow, still waters.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No grooming needed. Regular partial water changes. FishBase notes the fish crowd together at feeding time, so spreading food across the surface gives everyone room.21
Home where they are happiest
Tank of at least about 80 x 30 cm base (around 72 litres). Temperature about 20-28 °C (FishBase 22-26 °C), pH about 5.0-7.8, hardness 1-25 dGH depending on source.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Wild fish eat worms, crustaceans, insects and plants; in the aquarium give a varied mix of dry food plus live or frozen bloodworm, mosquito larvae, Daphnia or Moina.12
Company who they like around
Strongly social: Seriously Fish recommends a group of at least 12, which spreads out any nipping within the shoal.2
The story where it all began
Franz Steindachner described the serpae in 1882 as Chirodon eques, from Villa Bella and Óbidos on the Amazon in Brazil. In 2024 it was moved to the genus Megalamphodus. It belongs to a group of similar red 'blood tetras', and it has long been one of the most popular tetras in the hobby.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its species name eques means 'horseman', possibly a nod to the saddle-like dark mark on each side.3
- 2
It belongs to the 'blood tetra' group of closely related red tetras.1
- 3
Breeders have produced long-finned, metallic, balloon and fairy-fin forms.2
- 4
Wild populations differ in colour depending on where they come from.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 4 March 2021)1
- FishBase
- Rated highly commercial in the aquarium trade1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Serpae Tetra. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Serpae Tetra?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Spread the food across the surface so everyone gets a chance. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.12 Furry Diary plan
What does a Serpae Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet of dry food plus live or frozen bloodworm, mosquito larvae, Daphnia, or Moina. Avoid feeding anything that could harm them; stick to quality fish foods. For specific unsafe items, consult a vet or good breeder.12
How much space does a Serpae Tetra need?
A tank with a base of at least 80 by 30 cm (about 72 litres) is recommended. They are very active, so give plenty of open swimming space with plants around the edges.21
What temperature, light or water does a Serpae Tetra need?
Keep the water temperature between 20 and 28°C, with pH from 5.0 to 7.8 and hardness 1-25 dGH. They prefer slow, still water with plants. Use a thermometer and test kit weekly.21
How often should I clean a Serpae Tetra's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a 25% water change and glass cleaning each week, plus rinsing the filter in old tank water once a month. Regular cleaning keeps the water healthy.2 Furry Diary plan
Can a Serpae Tetra live with others?
Yes, they are very social and should be kept in a group of at least 12. Choose robust, fast-moving tankmates and avoid shy or long-finned fish to prevent nipping.231
How long does a Serpae Tetra live?
Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or vet for typical expectations. With proper care, they can live several years.
Can I handle a Serpae Tetra?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage their protective slime coat. Enjoy them from outside the tank.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase species summary: Megalamphodus eques (Jewel tetra) fishbase.seused for origin, maximum length, water parameters, natural diet, IUCN status, trade use
- Seriously Fish species profile: Hyphessobrycon eques seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, group size, sexing, naming
- Wikipedia: Serpae Tetra en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, lifespan, history, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.