zfish

I recently aquired a 30 gallon tank and its inhabitants. The former owner told me that it had five tetras in it, and then when I showed up she confidently identified them as "I call this one a red ruffle fish" and so on. I've spent some quality time online and think I have the proper identifications (well, the red wag platy was easy), but I'd love to have some experts confirm them. So here goes, with photos.

These are black skirt tetras, I think. Although they have different fin morphology, so I'd love to know the distinction.



And this one is, I think, a red minor serpae tetra (plus bonus harlequin rasbora). Am I correct?



One more question: the foremost black skirt tetra (?) has a split tail and tattered fins. Is this most likely the result of a tankmate picking on it?

I hope these questions are satisfyingly easy -- as for me, I'm new enough to this to be continually learning!

susitna-flower

HI, WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

Sounds like you have a good idea about the kind of fish you have. You can find more descriptions under the heading at the top of this page "ARTICLES", Freshwater fish profiles, pictures and all....

All tetras should be in schools, most it suggests 5 or more....the smaller ones 9 or more....this will make them feel more comfortable, but also increases longevity. The raggid fins can just be a case of fin rot from poor water conditions. Do water changes and test the water, make sure to maintain under 20 nitrates! You can also use vitachem and other medications for fin rot, IF it doesn't heal with good clean water.

capekate

Hi Zfish..
Your photos show a black skirt tetra, and a long fin black skirt tetra.
Your serpae tetra is also a 'long fin' serpae. Very pretty fish. You are correct in your ID of the Harlequin Rasbora. Nice looking fish..

zfish

Thanks very much, Capekate! It's nice to know what they are!

Susitna-flower, thanks for pointing me towards fin rot. The tank came with very high nitrate readings, so I've been doing frequent water changes and am slowly bringing them down. So far, nobody's fins look too bad, but the long finned black skirt still has a perforated tail. I'll keep working on it!

I know tetras do best in groups, but I also don't really want these particular species (not that there is anything wrong with them...just not my choices!). This is what comes of taking in someone else's stocked tank. Once I am sure they are are quite healthy, I'm going to look around for someone with an existing shoal of the right kinds of tetras and rehome them. If such a person doesn't exist, I'll keep them healthy and as happy as possible for as long as they live. I know it isn't perfect, but it's the best I can manage.