Longfin Serpae Tetra
A deep blood-red tetra with a black shoulder spot, here in a long-finned form with trailing dorsal and anal fins. Handsome, but with a well-earned reputation for nipping.
Feeding
Flake, micro-pellets and frozen foods. Vigorous feeder.
Compatibility
A known fin-nipper. Keep in groups of ten or more, which redirects the behaviour within the group. Do not house with guppies, bettas, angelfish or any slow long-finned species.
Behaviour and personality
Fast, assertive and constantly squabbling within the shoal. Entertaining in a species group, problematic in the wrong company.
Before you buy
The nipping is real and is the main reason this fish gets returned. A big group and robust tankmates solve it; a group of six will not.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Longfin Serpae Tetra |
| Brand | Real Aquatics |
| Color | Deep blood-red with black shoulder spot |
| Fins | Long dorsal and anal fins |
| Group size | 10 or more |
FAQ
Are Longfin Serpae Tetras aggressive?
They are fast and assertive, often squabbling within the shoal. They are entertaining in a group but can be problematic if kept with incompatible species.
What should I feed them?
Flake, micro-pellets, and frozen foods. They are a vigorous feeder and require regular feeding.
Can I keep them with other fish?
Do not house with guppies, bettas, angelfish, or any slow-moving long-finned species. They are known fin-nippers and require a group of ten or more for peaceful behavior.
Edward Walsh –
Kept them in a 20-gallon tank with a group of 12. They are active and colorful, but the nipping is noticeable. Only works well with a large group and fast-moving tankmates. Worth it if you’re prepared for the behavior.
Jan Ince –
Bought them for a community tank, but after a few weeks, they started nipping at my betta. I moved them to a separate tank with other tetras. Now they’re fine in a group of 10.
Audrey Stewart –
The color is striking and they move beautifully through the water. After keeping them in a group of 14, the nipping stopped. Only recommend if you have space and a large shoal.
Max McLean –
I kept only six of them and they were constantly chasing each other and nipping at the plants. I had to remove them. A group of ten or more is essential.