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Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nana
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae
📍 São Francisco River basin, Brazil
The silvertip tetra gets its name from the bright white or silver tips on every fin, which flash attractively as the fish moves. Males have a warm orange-copper body colouration while females are more silvery. It is a very active, somewhat nippy species that is best kept in large schools of 10 or more to distribute any fin-nipping behaviour.
Care Guide
Diet
Silvertip tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality small flake foods and micro pellets as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance coloration and maintain health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Highly active and energetic fish that constantly move through the mid-water column, displaying their characteristic silver-tipped fins. They exhibit semi-aggressive behavior and are known fin-nippers, particularly in groups smaller than recommended; keeping them in schools of 10 or more significantly reduces this tendency. Males display vibrant orange-copper coloration and engage in frequent sparring displays with rivals.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but requires dedicated setup with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and dense vegetation or spawning mops. Condition pairs with live foods for 1-2 weeks before spawning; they are egg scatterers that consume their own eggs, so remove parents immediately after spawning. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Tank Mates
Similar size, water parameters, and peaceful schooling behavior; compatible with large groups
Comparable size and temperament; thrives in same water conditions and school dynamics
Small, peaceful algae eaters that don't compete for space or food; compatible with active tetras
May be nipped by silvertips, especially in smaller groups; only suitable in well-established, heavily planted tanks
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin-based treatments) following label directions; quarantine affected fish if possible
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, maintain optimal temperature (24-26°C), use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication; remove sharp decorations that may cause injury
Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora)
Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, wasting despite normal appetite
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain excellent water quality, euthanize severely affected individuals to prevent transmission to healthy stock
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, fin damage, loss of appetite, abnormal swimming
Perform 50% water change immediately, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain temperature at 25-26°C, improve filtration and reduce bioload
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – small flake, micro pellets, frozen foods
- schooling
- 10+ recommended
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Active – potential fin nipper in small groups; best in schools of 10+
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–8.0
- hardness
- 5–20 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)