The Silvertip Tetra is an energetic, hardy schooling fish native to the blackwater creeks of Brazil. Uniquely for tetras, they lack an adipose fin. Males are a striking deep copper/gold, while females are paler yellow, but both feature the eponymous bright silver-white tips on their fins. They are extremely active, boisterous swimmers and can be prone to fin-nipping if kept in too small a group or with slow-moving tank mates.
Silvertip Tetra At a Glance
Silvertip Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Silvertip Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Silvertip Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Silvertip Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Silvertip Tetra Water Parameters
Silvertip Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Silvertip Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. It is highly recommended to keep them in larger shoals (8-10+) to disperse their boisterous, fin-nipping behavior among themselves rather than targeting other tank mates. Best kept with other fast-moving, short-finned species.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Male, Female, Wild Type
Silvertip Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Silvertip Tetra, scientifically known as Hasemania nana, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Silvertip Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
With modest requirements and a forgiving temperament, the Silvertip Tetra is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. The Silvertip Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Silvertip Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Silvertip Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement.
Silvertip Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Silvertip Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Silvertip Tetra Is Actually For
Silvertip Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It suits keepers who want a profile-driven species choice without a long list of specialist setup demands.
The most common mistake is buying Silvertip Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Silvertip Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Silvertip Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Silvertip Tetra
How big does Silvertip Tetra get?
Silvertip Tetra (Hasemania nana) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Silvertip Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Silvertip Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Silvertip Tetra need?
Silvertip Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Silvertip Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Silvertip Tetra is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Silvertip Tetra should be kept together?
Silvertip Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
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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
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Silvertip Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Silvertip Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesCelebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesAlligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Silvertip Tetra
These plants pair well with Silvertip Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Silvertip Tetra
Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
An extremely hardy and energetic schooling fish characterized by its silver body and striking bright red fins. As exceptionally active swimmers, they require plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very adaptable to temperature and water parameters, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Must be kept in groups to curb minor fin-nipping tendencies.
Bentos Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
A striking, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. Characterized by a reddish-brown tint and a prominent black spot on the dorsal fin, often tipped with white. They are active but peaceful schooling fish. Males will frequently engage in harmless, visually impressive sparring displays to establish hierarchy and impress females.
Rosy Finned Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra known for its reddish-pink hue and striking dorsal fin, which features a prominent black patch and white tip. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in heavily planted tanks with slightly acidic, soft water. Males frequently engage in harmless mock-battles by flaring their fins to establish hierarchy.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Long-Finned African Tetra
Brycinus longipinnis
A robust, active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of West Africa. They are characterized by their striking silver bodies and large, expressive eyes. Due to their size, speed, and energetic nature, they require a spacious aquarium with strong water flow and plenty of horizontal swimming space.
Fire Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
The Fire Tetra (commonly sold as the Flame or Von Rio Tetra) is a peaceful, schooling nano fish originating from the coastal rivers of Brazil. They are prized for their striking two-toned appearance, which transitions from silver/yellow at the head to a vibrant fiery red at the tail. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent choice for planted community aquariums, though they are unfortunately considered endangered or possibly extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.