Aggressive Tetras

[Randi]

I had 2 Serpae tetras in a community tank. When I added a bushynose pleco to the tank they nipped at him relentlessly. So I moved them to a new tank with some cory cats and a male betta, plus I got 4 new tetras. I thought they would be less nippy in a school of 6 but now they are going after my betta. How can I keep my tetras from nipping?

 

[moochy13]

i dont think they will. bettas are very inviting targets for nippy fish, hence why they tend to be kept on their own. also, serpae i think are one of the more aggressive species. you done the right thing buying more of them to make a group, i just dont think they're compatible with bettas.

 

[Stoty]

i just got rid of my 3 serpae tetras. They were giving everyone in the tank hell. Beautiful fish, but they nip like crazy. best bet is to get rid of them.

i just got rid of my 3 serpae tetras. They were giving everyone in the tank hell. Beautiful fish, but they nip like crazy. best bet is to get rid of them.

 

[Gilli]

I would move your Betta out and increase your Serpaes even more - the more there are the more they stick to chasing each other and leaving others alone. I have a group of 9 in a community tank which also has a fan tailed male guppy in with them and he is fine and they leave everyone alone.

 

[micko]

I had six before and nipped everything. Wouldn't have them again, although they are nice looking.

 

[Randi]

The funny thing is, I was actually worried about the betta. He flared at the tetras a couple times when they first met but after about 5 minutes decided they were not worth his time. Poor guy has spent the last day hiding behind the filter intake. Guess today I need to decide if I'm going to put him in a small tank or take the tetras back to the lfs.