Serpae tetra

Megalamphodus eques

Red-copper body, one dark shoulder patch and black fin markings

Look for a single dark shoulder patch, a predominantly black dorsal fin and a black edge to the anal fin. This illustration represents the normal short-finned form.

Adult length: Up to 4 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 5–7.5
Hardness: 1–15 dGH

Fin nipping can be pronounced with too few companions or too little space. Avoid timid, slow-moving or long-finned tankmates.

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Appearance and identification

Compared with the flame tetra, which has two fainter shoulder bars and red concentrated towards the rear, the serpae has one conspicuous patch. Patch shape varies. Long-finned and short-bodied ornamental forms remain the same species. Wild populations differ in fin coloration and in the size and shape of the shoulder patch; an individual need not match this illustration exactly.

Same-species behaviour

The source recommends at least twelve. Its minimum 80 × 30 cm footprint is linked to twelve to fifteen serpaes without other upper-water fish; adding companions requires a larger aquarium. A group does not eliminate fin nipping.

Space requirements

The source links its minimum 80 × 30 cm footprint to twelve to fifteen serpaes without other upper-water fish. Adding tankmates requires a larger aquarium; this is not a stocking-capacity guarantee.