Silver-tip Tetra

Hasemania nana is one of the few members of the subfamily Stevardiinae that lacks an adipose fin, a distinguishing anatomical feature. Native to the São Francisco River basin of Brazil, it sports a warm copper-amber body with contrasting white-tipped fins — a combination that stands out beautifully in a dark planted aquarium. Males are more vividly coloured and slimmer than females.

This is a lively, semi-aggressive tetra that may nip the fins of slow or long-finned tank mates, particularly if kept in too small a group. In groups of eight or more the aggression is diluted and directed primarily within the group in harmless sparring displays. It is an otherwise excellent community fish that adapts well to a range of water conditions.

Feeding is completely straightforward with any quality dry food supplemented with frozen invertebrates. This species has been a hobby staple for decades for very good reason.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–8.0, soft to medium (GH 5–18, KH 2–10); adaptable. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted community tank; avoid long-finned tank mates. Feeding: Standard flake, micro-pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworm, and daphnia. Breeding: Easy egg-scatterer in fine plants; condition with live foods; prolific spawner. Compatibility: Good community fish; keep in groups of 8+ to minimise fin-nipping.