Can Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Silvertip Tetra

Hasemania nana

Sunset Hap

Dimidiochromis strigatus

🐠Family Group
Silvertip Tetra
Characins
Sunset Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Silvertip Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Sunset Hap
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Silvertip Tetra
22–28°C
Sunset Hap
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Silvertip Tetra
6–8
Sunset Hap
7.6–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Silvertip Tetra
2–15
Sunset Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Silvertip Tetra
Freshwater Only
Sunset Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Silvertip Tetra
Moderate
Sunset Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Silvertip Tetra
60 L
Sunset Hap
400 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Silvertip Tetra
Middle
Sunset Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Silvertip Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin Nipper
Sunset Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesHyperactive / Fast SwimmerTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Silvertip Tetra
Sunset Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Silvertip Tetra is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Sunset Hap is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Sunset Hap may occasionally assert dominance over Silvertip Tetra.

Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.6 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap need?

A minimum of 400 litres (tank length at least 150 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Silvertip Tetra or Sunset Hap aggressive?

Silvertip Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Sunset Hap is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Silvertip Tetra and Sunset Hap need?

Both species overlap in the 7.6–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Silvertip Tetra nip Sunset Hap's fins?

Silvertip Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Sunset Hap has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Silvertip Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Sunset Hap's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Sunset Hap space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
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