Silvertip Tetra Care Guide: Subtle Sparkle in Schools
The silvertip tetra (Hasemania nana) is a lively, copper-toned schooling fish with bright white tips on its fins that flash as the school darts around the tank. Often overlooked in favour of flashier tetras, the silvertip rewards keepers with active behaviour, easy care and a warm glow in planted tanks. This silvertip tetra care guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park covers this underappreciated gem. This guide sits inside our broader Tropical Fish Species Master Index reference.
Silvertip Tetra Overview
Silvertip tetras originate from the São Francisco River basin in eastern Brazil. They grow to 4–5 cm and live for three to five years. Males are copper-gold with bright white fin tips, while females are more silvery with less intense colouration. Unusually for a tetra, they lack an adipose fin — the small fin between the dorsal and caudal fin found on most tetras. They are active, confident fish that are always in motion.
Tank Requirements
A school of eight to twelve silvertip tetras needs at least a 75-litre tank. They are fast, active swimmers that need room to dash and display. Maintain the temperature between 22 °C and 28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and GH 5–20 dGH. Like pristella tetras, they tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them adaptable to most freshwater setups. Moderate water flow encourages active schooling.
Diet and Feeding
Silvertips are enthusiastic omnivores that eat everything. Quality flake, micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp all work well. They feed aggressively at the surface and mid-water — ensure slower tank mates also get food. Feed twice daily in portions consumed within two minutes.
Tank Mates
Silvertip tetras are peaceful toward similarly sized fish but can be mildly nippy in small groups. Keep them in schools of ten or more to redirect their energy inward. Suitable companions include other tetras, rasboras, barbs, Corydoras, bristlenose plecos and dwarf cichlids. Avoid very slow-moving, long-finned species like bettas and fancy guppies — the silvertips’ hyperactivity may stress them.
Aquascaping
Their warm copper-gold colour looks stunning against deep green plants and dark substrate. A densely planted background with open foreground swimming space shows the school at its best. Driftwood and scattered leaves add a natural Brazilian river feel. Under slightly subdued lighting, the white fin tips flash like tiny sparks as the school moves — a captivating effect.
Breeding
Silvertip tetras are egg scatterers that breed readily in captivity. Soft, slightly acidic water and conditioning with live foods trigger spawning. They scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants at dawn. Remove adults immediately — they are aggressive egg eaters. Fry hatch in 24–36 hours and are free-swimming within three days. Feed infusoria then baby brine shrimp. One of the easier tetras to breed at home.
Common Health Issues
Silvertip tetras are hardy and disease-resistant. Their wide parameter tolerance means environmental stress is uncommon. Ich may appear after transport. Their active nature sometimes leads to jumping — a tight-fitting lid is recommended. Overall, they are robust fish that thrive with basic good care and provide years of active, shimmering beauty.
Related Reading
emilynakatani
Still Have Questions About Your Tank?
Drop by Gensou Aquascaping — most walk-in questions get answered in under 10 minutes by someone who has set up hundreds of tanks.
5 Everton Park #01-34B, Singapore 080005 · Open daily 11am – 8pm
