Serpae or phantoms eating angel fins?

[saturday]

My angelfish seems to be getting the egdes of her fins eaten away! Does red serpae or black phantom tetras have a reputation for attacking angel fins?

I have recently (1.5 wks) moved this adult (palm of hand size) angelfish into a 38gal with 5 red serpae tetras, 3 long-finned serpae tetras, 6 black phantom tetras, 4 baby green corys and 1 ghost shrimp, all of which I bought (as young fish) and put in the tank about 3 weeks before I added the angelfish. I also have a baby angel and a lemon-spotted green pleco that I added at different times. The angelfish just got the top edge of the back fin eaten/ripped off two days ago, then tonight I noticed that the top of the top fin has been eaten/ripped off. I assume it is either the serpae or the black phantoms did it but haven't actually seen any fish bother the angel. However the angel now spends alot of time hiding in the tall plants when it used to swim around the tank alot. Any ideas on who I need to find new homes for? (not the angel!)

 

[pjfish]

I've heard that serpae tetras like to nip fins. That's my guess.

 

[ScottoMacD]

I've heard that serpae tetras like to nip fins. That's my guess.

I have to agree.
They are can be nasty little buggers at times.


Black skirt and pristellas can also be nasty when it comes to long finned tankmates.

 

[SnakeIce]

I have had experience with serpaes and would consider them the culprits. I have black phantoms in my 20 gallon with my angel, but I added them after the angel had grown into the tank some. The phantoms do sometimes rush at my angel as if to nip but it seems to be a territory issue and stops befor nipping.

my dad had pristellas with a very agressive angel and only one of them made the mistake of nipping his fins.

my take on the tetras with that general body shape: the serpae, pristella, black phantom, bleeding hearts, black skirts, columbian blue,..., is that they all will nip from time to time. blue flames nip at each other but ignore other fish, serpae and black skirts nip at everything. they are tetras but with a little bit of the cichlid territorial attitude.

serpaes and black phantoms both like the same turf in your tank so there is added agression over that dispute that is spilling over on the other fish in the tank. both of those tetras like the lower levels of the tank especially under and in plant cover. that right there would be what pushes your phantoms to be more nippy in your situation.

Remove the serpaes and you might be able to keep the phantoms in the tank. you might have to rearange the tank decor for a week or two while the angel settles in.

If you are after a completely peacefull tank the phantoms will have to go as well, but they are not persistent enough about it that it will be liveable for your angel if you decide to let them stay.

 

[blueturq]

Yes, I am about 99.9% sure that the serpae's nipped the angelfish's fins. (as you can also see in previous replies)

The phantom tetras are generally more peaceful.

I have heard mixed opinions on black skirt tetras, but I have never heard of pristella tetras being nippy, I have heard of them being very peaceful.

 

[saturday]

Thanks! I am going to go to my LFS today and see if they want my 8 serpae tetras. (Too bad though, they add so much color to my tank) What other little tetra/ other fish has a lot of color but will go with an angel and phantoms?