Serrapinnus Tetra

Serrapinnus kriegi is a small, slim-bodied characid distributed across Bolivia and the upper Paraguay system. Its streamlined silver form is accented by a thin mid-lateral stripe and delicate fins that display faint yellowish tinting in conditioned fish. Closely related to Odontostilbe, it schools vigorously in the mid-water column and serves as an excellent dither fish or fill species in South American biotope and community aquariums. Exceptionally undemanding, it tolerates a range of water conditions and accepts most prepared foods. Best appreciated in groups of twelve or more where its schooling behavior is most impressive.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–27 °C; soft to moderately hard. Forgiving of minor fluctuations. Tank: 40 L minimum; open mid-water swimming space with plant borders. Gentle filtration. Feeding: Omnivore; micro-pellets, flake, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; neutral soft water. Easy and prolific. Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal with dwarf cichlids, corydoras, and other small South American community fish.