Serpae's and Guppies

Gemini · July 27th, 2005

I have a 45 gallon tank. In it is 6 male guppies, 2 painted tetras, 1 guamy (sp?), 4 cardinal tetras, 2 swordtails (1 male & 1 female), 1 hi fin neon serpae tetra and 2 other fish given to us so I'm not sure what they are lol. Anyways my question is that the serpae seems to chase all the other fish around and tries to nip at them. If he can't catch one he turns and goes after the next closest fish. My guppies seem to be his most recent target. I was told these fish work great with others so I'm wondering if I get him a female will this brutal behaviour stop? I have just recently lost one of my guppies, another one is now hiding in corners and a couple other fish have chunks missing out of their tails. I don't want to buy a whole other tank just for him or kill him but I don't want to lose my other fish from stress cause of his bullying. Any advice would be appreciated.

Miss Mouse · July 27th, 2005

Hello!
Sorry I cant really offer any advice but I would say try and get it sorted asap because the little fish will get stressed and can become sick which may infect the rest of the tank. Do you know if anyone else would like him? Or maybe ask the pet store if they could buy him..?

0morrokh · July 27th, 2005

Tetras are schooling fish, and like to be kept with at least five others of their same kind. Your serpae might be feeling lonely or insecure, so he is going after the other fish. Also, serpaes tend to be a more agressive type of tetra. I'm not sure that guppies are the greatest tank mates for serpaes because of their tempting, colorful fins. However, you have plenty of room in your tank, so I'd add another serpae and see if that helps to distract him. But watch them closely, and if they keep bullying your other fish, the best thing to do would be to just give them their own tank. A ten-gallon would be fine for 5 or 6 serpaes--you don't need another huge tank. If the other serpae seems to help, though, get a few more to keep him occupied. Also, I'd recommend getting a few more painted and cardinal tetras.

FishFan · July 27th, 2005

I personally have Serpaes and wish I didn't. They are bullies (in my opinion). I used to have 5 and only 3 remain. My male velvet swordtail loves to put the Serpae in their place. (I also have a female velvet swordtail) So, my male must think the Serpaes are male swords, I don't know. I found that out of my community, the Serpaes tend to be a bit bratty. Also-my female, plain'ol guppies, are being really bossy, too! I don't know-watch & see, I guess.

fletch · July 28th, 2005

Is a serpae the same thing as a bleeding heart tetra? Ive never heard of serpaes biut ive just seen a pic on google

FishFan · July 28th, 2005

No, they are larger. They are orange with black fins. And so naughty!

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