
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megalamphodus eques
A small characin with a blood-red to orange body, a black humeral blotch and a black dorsal fin. Hardy and inexpensive, but a determined fin-nipper, so tank mates and group size are the key decisions.
Megalamphodus eques is a small characin from the Amazon, Guapore and Paraguay River basins. FishBase gives 4.0cm SL, pH 5.0-7.8, 10-25 dH and 22-26C, and describes it shoaling among emergent plant stems in still water. Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5, 1-15 dGH and a base of at least 80 by 30cm, about 72 litres, and rates it territorial. It is notorious for nipping fins, which is worst when too few are kept or space is tight, so a group of at least twelve is the usual answer, keeping the aggression inside the shoal. It belongs to a complex of blood-red tetras and hybrids are also traded.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Serpae Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Serpae Tetra grows to About 4cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Serpae Tetra is 20〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Amazon, Guapore and Paraguay River basins)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
About 4cm SL
Temperature
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Megalamphodus eques (Steindachner, 1882)
Synonyms: Hyphessobrycon eques
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
20〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 80 by 30cm, about 72 litres. Cramped quarters make the fin-nipping worse, so allow generous volume for the group and break up sight lines with wood and plants.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5 and 1-15 dGH; FishBase gives pH 5.0-7.8, 10-25 dH and 22-26C. It is adaptable, and farmed fish are undemanding about chemistry.
Do not keep it with long-finned fish; angelfish, guppies and bettas are obvious targets. Keep twelve or more so the aggression stays within the group, and pair it with fast-moving mid-water species.
An omnivore that takes dried food readily. FishBase notes they bite each other’s fins when crowded at feeding time, so mix in frozen bloodworm and Daphnia and spread the food widely to reduce squabbles.
An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. Use a dimly lit separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base and remove the adults immediately after spawning. Spawning itself is not difficult, but the eggs must be protected.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. Metallic, long-finned and balloon strains are traded; balloon-bodied fish swim less well and tend to lose out within the group.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Serpae Tetra is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Serpae Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Serpae Tetra typically reaches About 4cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Serpae Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Serpae Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026