The Serpae tetra is one of the most popular tetras at all. This is doubtless due to its intensive red coloration. In respect of the behaviour one cannot trust them too far. They have the nasty tendency to bite off pieces of finnage from other fish, also from conspecifics.
From a scientific point of view the Serpae tetra is subject of a controversial debate that lasts already for more than 50 years – and still no satisfying solution has been published yet. How many species cover behind the common name of „Serpae tetra“? And what is the correct scientific name for them? So hobbyists interested in tetras will for sure be happy that we were able to import now some wild collected specimens. They originate from the surroundings of the city of Cuiabá in the state of Mato Grosso. Currently these animals are about 3 cm long and thus not fully grown and not full in color yet, but very healthy and lively.
The import happend in July 2017. We kept some specimens in our fishhouse to see what would become of them. They go for sale now, too. The fish became very nice, graceful Serpa tetras. The most remarkable thing is that they are very peaceful against each other. Of course the males display against each other (as it is usual in the tetra family), but they don´t even hurt the finneage of the competitor, as it sadly often happens in aquarium strains.
For our customers: the fish have code 261932 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
