Silver Tip Tetra (.75-1”)

Scientific Name

Hasemania nana

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

• Lifespan: Around 5 to 7 years with good care

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 5-10 gallons (75 liters) for a small school, 20 gallons+ is preferred for a larger group/community setup.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral preferred)
    

• Water Changes: 25–30% weekly to maintain clean water and stable conditions

• Care: Silvertips are hardy but thrive best in a well-maintained tank with stable parameters, dark substrate, plants, and open swimming areas.

Tankmates

• Best Kept In: Groups of at least 8–10 to reduce fin-nipping behavior

• Compatible With: Other peaceful community fish like rasboras, small barbs, danios, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids

Diet

• Omnivorous: Will accept a wide range of foods

• Staple: High-quality flake or micro-pellets

• Supplement: Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms

• Vegetable Matter: Spirulina based flakes and micro pellets

Overview

The Silver Tip Tetra is a lively, schooling fish prized for its copper-golden body and bright white tips on its fins. Its active yet hardy nature makes it a favorite in community aquariums. A well-planted setup with dim lighting highlights their natural beauty while providing hiding places. They are energetic swimmers and show their best colors and behavior when kept in a good-sized school.

Natural Environment

• Origin: Streams and tributaries of the São Francisco River basin in Brazil

• Habitat: Shallow, slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and shaded areas. The natural environment is warm, soft, and slightly acidic, often with tannin-rich water from decaying plant matter.

Breeding

• Type: Egg scatterers

• Setup: A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops is recommended. Use slightly acidic, soft water.

• Behavior: Pairs or groups scatter eggs among plants; no parental care is given, and adults may eat the eggs.

• Eggs & Fry: Eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours; fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days. Infusoria or liquid fry food should be given first, followed by baby brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes.