Silver Tip Tetra (Hasemania nana) — > 3cmXL

Overview

The Silver Tip Tetra (Hasemania nana) is a hardy, active schooling tetra celebrated for its shimmering silvery fin tips and lively personality. Native to the São Francisco basin in Brazil, this small, peaceful species thrives in groups and brings movement and color to community aquariums. Available for sale UK-wide, the Silver Tip Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking an easy-to-care-for, visually striking tetra that adapts well to a variety of water conditions.

Appearance and Coloration

Hasemania nana displays a golden to copper-colored body with distinctive silvery-white tips on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. This striking fin coloration gives the species its common name and is most pronounced in well-conditioned individuals. Males may exhibit more intense coloration and slightly more extended fins during courtship. The species has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with large, expressive eyes and a subtle lateral line.

Natural Habitat

The Silver Tip Tetra inhabits streams and creeks within the São Francisco basin in Brazil. These habitats feature soft to moderately hard water, moderate current, abundant vegetation, and seasonal fluctuations in water level. The fish form large schools in the wild, sheltering among plants and driftwood while foraging for small invertebrates, insect larvae, and organic matter.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 75-litre aquarium is recommended for a school of at least 8-10 Silver Tip Tetras. Provide open swimming areas combined with planted zones using species like Vallisneria, Amazon Sword, or Java Fern. A dark substrate enhances the fish's coloration, and driftwood or leaf litter creates a naturalistic environment. Moderate filtration maintains water clarity and quality, and a secure lid is essential, as this species can be an active jumper.

Water Parameters

Maintain soft to moderately hard water with pH 6.0-7.5 and temperatures between 20-26°C. General hardness (GH) of 5-12 dGH is ideal. The Silver Tip Tetra is adaptable and tolerates a range of conditions, but stable parameters promote best health and coloration. Perform weekly water changes of 20-25% to control nitrate and maintain water quality. Avoid extreme pH swings or prolonged exposure to poor water conditions.

Feeding and Diet

Hasemania nana is an omnivore that thrives on a varied diet. Offer quality micro-pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and cyclops. Occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods provide balanced nutrition and enhance coloration. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, ensuring food is consumed within a few minutes to prevent water quality issues.

Behaviour and Personality

The Silver Tip Tetra is a peaceful, active schooling fish that thrives in groups. Shoaling behavior is most pronounced when kept in larger numbers, with the fish moving together in synchronized patterns. Males may display more strongly and engage in mild sparring when kept in smaller groups, but this rarely results in injury. This species occupies the mid to upper water column and is constantly on the move, making it an engaging addition to community tanks.

Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include other peaceful small tetras, rasboras, danios, Corydoras catfish, and Otocinclus. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, very slow long-finned fish, and much larger tankmates that may eat them. The Silver Tip Tetra coexists well with similarly sized, peaceful community fish in a well-planted aquarium.

Breeding

Hasemania nana is an egg scatterer that may spawn in planted tanks or a separate breeding setup. Breeding is most successful in soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5) with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition adults with live foods, then introduce a pair or small group. Remove adults immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry are small and hatch in 24-48 hours, requiring infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to baby brine shrimp.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we offer healthy, vibrant Silver Tip Tetras sourced from reputable breeders and quarantined for your peace of mind. We provide expert advice on community tank setup, water chemistry, and stocking ratios to ensure your tetras thrive. With fast, reliable delivery across the UK and a commitment to sustainable fishkeeping, Tropical Fish Co is your trusted partner for quality freshwater fish.