Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: serpae tetra

Synonyms and Other Names: H. callistus (Boulenger, 1900), H. serpae Durbin in Eigenmann, 1908; jewel tetra, red minor tetra, blood tetra.

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: According to Géry (1977), the genus Hyphessobrycon contains approximately 65 species and needs systematic revision. Hyphessobrycon eques is a species complex and includes the junior synonym H. serpae (Weitzman and Palmer 1997). See Géry for an identification key and a color photograph. A color photograph was also published in Axelrod et al. (1985).

Size: 4 cm.

Native Range: Tropical America. Central Amazon basin and Guianas (Géry 1977).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Likely aqarium release.

Status: Failed in Florida.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This is a well-known aquarium species. There are no known voucher specimens.

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H.R., W.E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J.G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

FL DNR - Florida Department of Natural Resources.

Géry, J. 1977. Characoids of the world. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Weitzman, S.H. and L. Palmer. 1997. A new species of Hyphessobrycon (Teleostei: Characidae) from Neblina region of Venezuela and Brazil, with comments on the putative 'rosy tetra clade'. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwater 7(3):209-242.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Hyphessobrycon eques

Author: Nico, L.

Peer Review Date: 6/22/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.