Silvertip Tetra Care Guide
The Silvertip Tetra (Hasemania nana) is a lively and colourful freshwater fish popular among UK aquarists. Known for its golden-bronze body, bright silver-tipped fins, and energetic schooling behaviour, it is an excellent choice for community aquariums and planted tanks.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Silvertip Tetra care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Silvertip Tetras
Silvertip tetras are native to streams and tributaries in Brazil. They are one of the few popular tetra species that lack an adipose fin, making them easy to distinguish from many of their relatives.
Their golden body coloration and contrasting white fin tips create an attractive display, especially when kept in larger schools.
Hasemania nana
4-5 cm
Brazil
60L (15gal)
3-5 years
Active, semi-peaceful, schooling
22-28°C
Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods)
6.0-7.5
£2-£5 per fish
How Many Silvertip Tetras Should You Keep?
Silvertip tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups.
- A minimum group of 8-10 is recommended
- Larger schools reduce aggression and encourage natural behaviour
- Groups of 12 or more create an impressive display
Keeping too few can result in:
- Increased fin-nipping
- Territorial behaviour
- Stress and nervousness
Like serpae tetras, they are generally more peaceful when maintained in larger groups.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Silvertip Tetras
Providing the right environment helps silvertip tetras display their best colours and behaviour.
- Tank Setup: Community or planted aquarium with open swimming areas
- Substrate: Dark substrate enhances their golden colouration
- Plants & Decor: Dense planting, driftwood, roots, and shaded areas
- Water Conditions: Stable freshwater with good water quality
- Filtration & Flow: Gentle to moderate filtration
- Lighting: Moderate lighting
A mature planted aquarium allows them to feel secure while still providing plenty of swimming space.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Silvertip tetras are generally peaceful but can be boisterous.
- Good Tankmates: black neon tetras, glowlight tetras, harlequin rasboras, honey gouramis, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, and cherry shrimp
- Avoid: bettas, fancy guppies, angelfish, and other long-finned fish
Their occasional fin-nipping tendencies make them better suited to active community species.
Are Silvertip Tetras Easy to Care For?
Silvertip tetras are easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
They require:
- Stable water quality
- Proper shoal sizes
- Suitable tankmates
- Regular feeding
They are hardy, adaptable fish that thrive in well-maintained aquariums.
Silvertip Tetra Price in the UK
In the UK, silvertip tetras typically cost between £2-£5 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and age
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist breeders
They are affordable and commonly available.
Where to Buy Silvertip Tetras in the UK
Silvertip tetras are available from most aquarium shops and tropical fish retailers.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to inspect health and colouration
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Silvertip Tetras?
Yes - silvertip tetras are occasionally bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with local aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Silvertip Tetras
Silvertip tetras are omnivorous and enthusiastic feeders.
Key Tips
- Feed high-quality flakes or micro pellets
- Supplement with frozen daphnia, cyclops, bloodworms, and brine shrimp
- Offer occasional live foods
- Feed small portions 1-2 times daily
A varied diet helps maximise colouration and overall health.
Common Problems with Silvertip Tetras
Fin-nipping, often caused by:
- Small shoal sizes
- Inappropriate tankmates
- Overcrowding
Faded colours, linked to:
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Poor water quality
Aggressive behaviour, caused by:
- Insufficient schooling numbers
- Lack of swimming space
Why Silvertip Tetras Are So Popular
- Beautiful golden-bronze colouration
- Distinctive silver-tipped fins
- Hardy and beginner-friendly
- Active schooling behaviour
- Excellent for planted aquariums
When kept correctly, silvertip tetras create a lively and colourful display that adds movement and personality to community aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are generally peaceful but can nip fins if kept in groups that are too small.
At least 8-10, though larger schools are recommended.
Yes, they are hardy, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for.
At least 60 litres, with plenty of swimming space and a suitably sized shoal.
Looking to Buy or Sell Silvertip Tetras Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're creating a vibrant planted aquarium or looking to rehome fish responsibly, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.