Jewel tetra, Serpae tetra — a Characidae from 南美洲及菲律宾, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 3–4.4 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 22–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
5–7.8
GH hardness
10–25 dGH
Adult length
3–4.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers
Origin
南美洲及菲律宾
Species overview
Hyphessobrycon eques is a Characidae from 南美洲及菲律宾. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3–4.4 cm. Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 22–26 °C at pH 5–7.8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better
Diet
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully
Avoid keeping with
Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs