Can Coral Beauty Angelfish live with Serpae Tetra?
High risk due to water mismatch, aggression, or predation.
Why Coral Beauty Angelfish and Serpae Tetra Don't Make an Easy Pair
The size gap is 2.0" — Coral Beauty Angelfish (4.0") and Serpae Tetra (2.0"). A fish that fits in another fish's mouth will eventually end up there.
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge loriculus
| Adult Size: | 4.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 30 gal |
| Temperature: | 74-82°F |
| pH Range: | 8.1-8.4 |
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
| Adult Size: | 2.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 72-79°F |
| pH Range: | 5.5-7.5 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Coral Beauty Angelfish | Serpae Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74-82°F | 72-79°F | 5°F ✓ |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 | 5.5-7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: semi-aggressive + semi-aggressive. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
⚠️ Size Predation Risk: Coral Beauty Angelfish (4.0") vs Serpae Tetra (2.0"). A 2.0" gap — the larger fish will view the smaller fish as food.
Score: 30/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 30 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 74°F and 79°F.
- pH: no shared range. One species will be outside its tolerance regardless of what you set.
- Hiding spots: essential for Coral Beauty Angelfish — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 30+ gallons:
Frozen food formula for marine angelfish
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Size-based predation: The 2.0" size gap means the larger fish may eat the smaller one once it grows to full size. This is not fixable with more hiding spots.
- Double semi-aggressive: Two territorial species in the same tank creates competition for prime real estate. Provide distinct territories or expect fin-nipping and chasing.
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a semi-aggressive individual Coral Beauty Angelfish may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.