Can Serpae Tetra Live With Spotted Raphael Catfish?

Serpae Tetra and Spotted Raphael Catfish CAN coexist, but with some risks. Careful setup and monitoring required.

Detailed Analysis

Temperature ✓ Compatible

Good temperature overlap at 72–82°F.

pH ✓ Compatible

Good pH overlap at 6.0–7.5.

Size ⚠ Use Caution

Significant size difference (6" vs 1.75"). Spotted Raphael Catfish may bully or stress Serpae Tetra.

Temperament ⚠ Use Caution

Serpae Tetra (semi-aggressive) may have issues with Spotted Raphael Catfish (peaceful). Monitor closely if attempting.

Swim Level ✓ Compatible

Fish occupy different water levels (Serpae Tetra: middle, Spotted Raphael Catfish: bottom), reducing conflict.

Important Notes

  • Serpae Tetra is a schooling fish and needs at least 6 of its kind.

Tank Requirements

Minimum tank size for this combination: 35 gallons

ParameterSerpae TetraSpotted Raphael Catfish
Temperature72–82°F72–82°F
pH5.5–7.56–7.5
Max Size1.75"6"
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swim LevelMiddleBottom
Min Tank20 gal30 gal

Check More Combinations

Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.