Serpae tetras always slightly/barely falling but twitching to stay balanced

[Navfish]

Hi! I got 2 serpae tetras last Saturday and they always go twitch to stay balanced. My water parameters are fine and they are in a 10 gallon tank with 5 guppies and 3 tetras. I did some research and they are suppose to twitch swim but I’m just worried. Is there behavior normal or is there something I should worry about? They are eating fine but the only other concern is that they stay at the bottom/mid of the tank swimming. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

When you say the water chemistry is fine, could you do a test please just to be sure and post a photo of the aquarium full frontal view too. Thank you

In regard to the Serpae.....they really should be in a larger aquarium, around 20 gallons, and in groups of around 6+. They are schooling fish and having a group allows them to feel secure and safe, this brings on more activity and better health overall. They can sometimes also be a little aggressive in smaller numbers too.

Can you confirm the type of other Tetra you have and how many please....some Tetra types will school together, others won't

 

[Slaphppy7]

Post a short vid of the fish to show this behavior.

But, I can tell you, a 10G tank is much too small for this fish, which belong in large groups, to spread out their natural aggression and nipping of themselves and other fish

See "Behavior and Compatibility" here...also note the recommended tank size....30+ inch tank, minimum

Hyphessobrycon eques – Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon callistus, Hyphessobrycon serpae) — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

 

[Navfish]

Post a short vid of the fish to show this behavior.

But, I can tell you, a 10G tank is much too small for this fish, which belong in large groups, to spread out their natural aggression and nipping of themselves and other fish

See "Behavior and Compatibility" here...also note the recommended tank size....30+ inch tank, minimum

Hyphessobrycon eques – Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon callistus, Hyphessobrycon serpae) — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

Thank you for the help! I did what I thought was right and returned them

 

[Slaphppy7]

Thank you for the help! I did what I thought was right and returned them

Excellent choice.