At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled characin (tetra) without an adipose fin
A compact little tetra with a warm coppery-gold body and a dark line running along the rear half of the flank. The tips of the fins are marked with bright silvery-white, which gives the fish its name. Males show richer colour and are slimmer than females.23
Personality what they are like
A bright, busy and peaceful tetra that fits in well with most small community fish. In a proper group its playful energy is spread among its own kind.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very lively; it spends the day darting around the middle of the tank with its shoal and enjoys room to swim.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to look after: clean, stable water with routine partial water changes. Captive-bred stock copes with a broad range of water chemistry.21
Home where they are happiest
Tank of at least 60 x 38 x 30 cm (about 68 litres) for a small shoal. Water 22-28 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 5-20 °H. A planted tank with open swimming space suits it.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Takes most foods readily. Feed small dried flakes and granules together with regular small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp for best colour.21
Company who they like around
Keep at least 6, ideally 10 or more. Good companions are livebearers, danios, rasboras, other small tetras, Corydoras, gouramis and dwarf cichlids; avoid large predatory fish.21
The story where it all began
Lütken described this fish in 1875 as Tetragonopterus nanus. It was later placed in the genus Hasemania, and a 1938 description by Meinken as Hasemania marginata turned out to be the same species. Today the fish sold in shops are captive-bred.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018)1
- FishBase
- Used commercially in the aquarium trade1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silvertip Tetra. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Silvertip Tetra?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily. For exact portions, check the food label and consult your vet.21 Furry Diary plan
What does a Silvertip Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
Silvertip Tetras eat most foods readily, including small dried flakes and granules, plus live or frozen foods like bloodworm and brine shrimp for best colour. Avoid large or unsuitable foods; ask your vet for a complete list of what to avoid.21
How much space does a Silvertip Tetra need?
A small shoal needs a tank of at least 68 litres (60x38x30 cm). More space is better, especially if you keep a larger group of 10 or more.21
What temperature, light or water does a Silvertip Tetra need?
Keep water temperature between 22-28°C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 5-20°H. A planted tank with open swimming areas works well. Moderate lighting is fine.21
How often should I clean a Silvertip Tetra's home?
Perform a 25% water change weekly, test water weekly, and clean glass weekly. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. Furry Diary's starting plan follows this routine.21 Furry Diary plan
Can a Silvertip Tetra live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and thrive in groups of at least 6, ideally 10 or more. Good tankmates include livebearers, danios, rasboras, other small tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid large predatory fish.21
How long does a Silvertip Tetra live?
Lifespan varies with care; with proper conditions they can live several years. For a specific estimate, ask a vet or an experienced breeder.
Can I handle a Silvertip Tetra?
It is best not to handle them; they are delicate fish. Use a net only when moving them. For handling advice, consult a vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
X-ray Tetra
Glowlight Tetra
Lemon TetraLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase species summary: Hasemania nana fishbase.seused for describer, maximum length, distribution, water range, IUCN status
- Seriously Fish species profile: Hasemania nana seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, water parameters, behaviour, diet, sexing, habitat
- Wikipedia: Hasemania nana en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy history, etymology, appearance
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.