Description
Veiltail Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon eques
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Common Names: Veiltail Serpae Tetra, Red Minor Tetra, Jewel Tetra
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Family: Characidae (Tetra Family)
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Order: Characiformes
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Origin: South America — Amazon River Basin, Paraguay, and Guaporé River regions
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Size: 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
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Lifespan: 5–7 years
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Tank Zone: Middle
🌊 Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
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pH: 5.5 – 7.5
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Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
🐠 Characteristics
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Body Shape: Deep-bodied, laterally compressed tetra.
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Coloration: Fiery red to reddish-orange body with a distinct black patch behind the gills.
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Fins: Extended, flowing fins — especially the dorsal and tail fins — giving it the “veiltail” appearance.
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Special Feature: The elongated fins make it more graceful than the standard Serpae Tetra variety.
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Behavior: Active and semi-aggressive; may nip fins if kept in small numbers.
🍽️ Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Food: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
🏠 Tank Setup
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Minimum Tank Size: 60 liters (15 gallons)
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Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel.
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Décor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.
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Lighting: Moderate; darker background enhances red coloration.
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Water Flow: Gentle to moderate current.
👥 Behavior & Compatibility
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Nature: Lively schooling fish.
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Best Kept In: Groups of 6 or more to reduce fin-nipping behavior.
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Tank Mates: Compatible with barbs, rainbowfish, corydoras, and robust tetras.
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Avoid: Long-finned or slow-moving fish (like guppies or angelfish).
✅ Do’s
• Keep in a well-planted tank with some open space.
• Maintain a group for natural behavior.
• Offer a mix of live and dry foods to enhance color.
❌ Don’ts
• Don’t keep alone or in pairs — can become aggressive.
• Avoid sharp décor that could tear fins.
⭐ Quick Tip:
The Veiltail Serpae Tetra is a vibrant, energetic schooling fish that adds a brilliant red flash and graceful fin movement to community aquariums. Keep them in groups under soft light for best appearance and peaceful behavior.








