Serpae Tetra tank mates
Hyphessobrycon eques
5 rated pairings from the Serpae Tetra care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Serpae Tetra needs at least 15 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
1 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar size and water requirements; schooling behavior complements Serpae tetras, though monitor for excessive nipping
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful algae eaters that occupy bottom zones; their small size and behavior minimize conflict
Use caution
2 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
15 gal min · 3.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Can work if tank is large enough (20+ gallons), but Serpaes may nip at flowing fins; monitor closely
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Small shrimp may be viewed as food; only suitable in heavily planted tanks where shrimp can hide effectively
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.