Silvertip Tetra

Hasemania nana (syn. H. marginata), also known as Silvertip Tetra, is native to Brazil, South America, where it is native to waters with clear or black water. This beautiful, approximately 4.5-5cm large fish shines in a strong, coppery-orange to golden color. The white tips of the caudal and dorsal fins as well as an elongated black spot on the base of the caudal fin are also typical of the species.

Care in the aquarium

The Silvertip Tetra is a robust fish species with a relatively long life expectancy. An aquarium with 112 liters or an edge length of 80 cm is the minimum for this lively fish. Furthermore, the Silvertip Tetra should be kept with at least 10 members of its species so that it feels comfortable and does not become shy. This fish species only shows shoaling behavior when it is afraid; otherwise it forms small territories, which are also defended against members of its species. Especially if the Silvertip Tetra doesn’t have enough space, it can become rougher towards other fish species and chase them around the tank. There should therefore be dense border plants and sufficient hiding places. Hasemania nana can be socialized with calm but stress-resistant fish. This tetra is not too difficult to keep. The water should be rather soft (< 10°dGH) and the pH value should be between 5.5 and 7.5.

Feeding

In nature, the Silvertip Tetra feeds on small crustaceans, worms and plant material. In the aquarium, feeding this omnivorous (all-eating) fish is not very complicated: live and frozen food as well as fine flake and granular food are readily accepted.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

The male Silvertip Tetras hardly differ in body structure from the females, but can be identified by their slightly stronger, reddish color. Females, on the other hand, are more brass-colored. The breeding of the Silvertip Tetra is successful in the aquarium with soft and rather acidic water. Tetras are free-spawners, so the tiny eggs are freely released and fertilized between preferably fine-feathered plants or mosses. Since this species is a spawning predator and does not stop at its own offspring, there should be a separate breeding tank from which the parents are removed immediately after spawning. The first feeding of the young fish, which hatch after about 24-36 hours, takes place after about 2 days (after the yolk sac has been consumed) with the smallest food such as dust food or infusoria.