Serpae Tetra compatibility in a small tank.

Miss SJ

I currently have a 12 gallon tank with 1 Dwarf Gourami, 3 long finned serpae tetras and 4 neon tetras. When I first starteed my tank I originally thought my single Serpae Tetra was a Bleeding Heart Tetra and I didn't know the serpae was a schooling fish. Well, I felt bad for my serpae and bought two more serpaes. The single Serpae Tetra was calm and never bothered my other fish. I noticed my serpae with the biggest fins is always chasing my other two serpaes and I have never seen the serpaes bother the neons. My neons' tail fins are being eaten away and I am presuming it is the serpaes. Tomorrow I plan on trying to return the neons and would like to get something to replace them, what do you suggest? I think another serpae sounds like a good idea but I wouls like a little variety in my tank. Or maybe I should return that long finned serpae that seems to be a troublemaker?

Thanks!
SJ

crazy4fish

if you return the neons i would either get another serpea or two or 2-3 cories. you cant get anything too big or you wont have room for the ones you already have. if you bring back the serpea i would suggest bringing back all of them or getting 1-2 other serpeas and hope they are less agressive. if you return all your serpeas you could get cories, guppies, platies, cherry barbs, or another type of tetra, you could also get penguin fish. :D good luck! let us know what you decide.

willow

hi
just my two pennies worth............
take the serpae back,and increase the neons,they
look fab in a large group.

crazy4fish

i love to see any fish in a large group. have you decided what you want yet?

GoddessTetra

Serpae can be nippers and biters if not kept in larger groups (6+) of like minded fish, Which means you will need more room. I agree that you should return them and go with more Neons. Serpae tend to squabble among themselvesno matter what, but for the sake of your other fish I would take them back before they nip your neons.