Has anyone experienced Serpae Tetras nipping at the fins of other fish? I have a male Betta and his fins are much smaller than they used to be. I also have an Angelfish with a piece gone from his dorsal fin. I have 4 Serpae Tetras in the tank as well as 4 Corys, 2 Zebra Botias, a Dojo Loach, and 3 Swordtails.
Serpae Tetras
- Thread starter Randy57
- Start date
From what I've heard Serpae tetras are notorious fin-nippers. What size tank are these fish in? It may be that the fish are competing for space, that usually exascerbates the behavior, from what I understand.
I'm sure others will come along and offer some advice, but it may also be more helpful if you give some more information. Most importantly, tank size and water parameters so people can get an idea of the situation.
BTW- Welcome to the tank!! *SUNSMILE*
I'm sure others will come along and offer some advice, but it may also be more helpful if you give some more information. Most importantly, tank size and water parameters so people can get an idea of the situation.
BTW- Welcome to the tank!! *SUNSMILE*
Yes they are very bad for it, I'd put them in the same class as tiger barbs for fin-nipping. I had them years ago, right at the start when I came into the hobby, and after a few weeks got rid. Never kept them again! I agree with vahluree though, some information on your tank may be helpful in us giving advice on how to curb the aggression.
If you're going to keep serpaes you should enlarge the school. With a larger school they're more likely to pick on each other instead of everyone else.
Of course, buying more fish is only to be done if your tank is large enough to support them properly.
I would never keep serpaes with a betta, an angel or any fish with flowy fins that isn't fast enough to get away from the little buggers.
You probably should decide which you'd rather have -- serpaes or the angel and betta.
Of course, buying more fish is only to be done if your tank is large enough to support them properly.
I would never keep serpaes with a betta, an angel or any fish with flowy fins that isn't fast enough to get away from the little buggers.
You probably should decide which you'd rather have -- serpaes or the angel and betta.
i hope you are having as much fun with your new 75 gallon as i am with my new 55. other than the nipping problem 
i have been adding a few things at a time to see what works and what i like best. decided to not get any more glow lights. i am very excited about getting more fish today! and maybe some plants and shrimp! lol!
what do you have in the 38?
i have been adding a few things at a time to see what works and what i like best. decided to not get any more glow lights. i am very excited about getting more fish today! and maybe some plants and shrimp! lol!
what do you have in the 38?
Well you've certainly got a good space, so I'd reccommend trying to add a few more serpaes, maybe get the group up to 8/10. Same principle with tiger barbs like I said.. increase the shoal size and the aggression is spread more throughout the shoal than the other fish. As homebunnyj said though, if it carries on you may have to decide which you want more - at the end of the day there are plenty of less aggressive tetras that look similar to serpaes, it all depends on what you want.