Hasemania nana
Warm copper body with chalk-white fin tips that flash as they swim, a different visual register from the usual neon-stripe tetra. Keep ten or more to dilute the mild fin-nipping behaviour; avoid long-finned tankmates like angels or fancy guppies.
Silver Tip Tetra (Hasemania nana) reaches 3–4 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 60 L. Native to São Francisco basin, Brazil, it lives in the mid to top water column with a semi-peaceful (occasional fin nipper) temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 3–18 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Keep silver tip tetra in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Eats greedily. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Mostly (may eat shrimplets).
Care at a glance
Warm copper body with chalk-white fin tips that flash as they swim, a different visual register from the usual neon-stripe tetra. Keep ten or more to dilute the mild fin-nipping behaviour; avoid long-finned tankmates like angels or fancy guppies.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether silver tip tetra fits in your tank.
Mid to Top
Yes
Group of 8+
Characidae
Omnivore
Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Eats greedily.
3–5 yrs
Medium
São Francisco basin, Brazil
São Francisco basin, Brazil
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Silver Tip Tetra (Hasemania nana) needs a minimum tank of 60 L. They live in the mid to top water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 3–18 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Mostly (may eat shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Silver Tip Tetra are omnivore. Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Eats greedily.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
