Warm copper-gold with every fin dipped in white, so a moving shoal flickers like sparks. It is one of the few tetras with no adipose fin, and one of the busiest fish in any community tank.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Swim bladder disorder
Care at a glance
- ExerciseHigh
A busy, energetic swimmer โ keep plenty of open swimming room.
- GroomingRoutine tank care
Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment4โ6 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Swim bladder disorder
๐ Care guide
The Silver Tip Tetra (Hasemania nana) comes from the Sao Francisco basin in Brazil and reaches about 3 to 4 cm. Males are a deep coppery orange, females paler and more silver, and both carry the white tips on the dorsal, anal and tail fins that give the species its name. It is unusual among characins in lacking an adipose fin, the small fleshy fin most tetras carry between dorsal and tail. A shoal of eight or more suits a 60 litre tank or larger at 22-28C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, with plants at the sides and open water in the middle. Feed flake, micro pellets and frozen daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp. It is hardy and adaptable, but it is genuinely energetic and can nip at slow, long-finned tankmates, so keep a group of at least eight, which keeps the chasing within the shoal, and avoid pairing it with bettas or fancy guppies. With fast community fish it is lively, colourful and very easy to keep.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Silver Tip Tetra?
High. A busy, energetic swimmer โ keep plenty of open swimming room.
How much maintenance does a Silver Tip Tetra need?
Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
What tank size does a Silver Tip Tetra need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Silver Tip Tetra a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Silver Tip Tetra live?
4โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Silver Tip Tetra?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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