Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Hasemania nana
Hasemania marginata
Hemigrammus nanus
Tetragonopterus nanus
Common name
Silvertip tetra
Copper tetra
Origin
Origin: Brazil (Rio Sao Francisco and Rio Purus)
Biotope: Amazonian
Dimorphism
Probably visible from one year onwards. The male is thinner and smaller than the female who is more bouncy. He is also more colourful.
Group
Characidae
Volume
Specific: 60 L / 13 Imp Gal / 16 US Gal
Community: 200 L / 44 Imp Gal / 53 US Gal
Parameters
T°: 23 to 25°C or 73 to 77°F
pH: 6 to 7
Hardness: 1 to 8°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
5cm (2")
Longevity
5 years
Living zone
Middle
Individuals
10
Food
Food
How to feed the Silvertip tetra?
Its food will not pose any problem because it will accept anything you suggest. It is an omnivorous fish which still has a preference for live prey: micro worms, artemia, red daphnia (the latter improve the coloration of fish!).
Behavior
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Silvertip tetra have?
Generally speaking, they are lively and active fish, swimming constantly. They always seem very busy!
The males are tireless suitors, constantly soliciting the females. To minimize the impact of this behaviour on the fatigue and health of the females, form your group in harem, i.e. with several females for one male. In addition, many hiding places will be beneficial for the females to rest (the many plants and roots will be perfect for this role).
Cohabitation
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Silvertip tetra?
Like all grouse, this species has a developed gregarious instinct (in nature, they form schools of several dozen individuals). To satisfy it, keep at least 10 specimens. Moreover, depending on their number and the configuration of the aquarium, they swim in tanks (more or less organized). If the number of Silvertip tetra is insufficient, they become unruly and aggressive towards other fishes, as they lack social interaction.
These fish like the company of other calm species. For example, they appreciate the presence of Cardinalis (Paracheirodon axelrodi). This makes it a species that is perfectly adapted to community aquariums. However, there must be room for everyone! So you will need an aquarium of at least 200 L / 44 Imp Gal / 53 US Gal for community maintenance.
Attention to the following associations:
long-finned fish: the Silvertip tetra can be tempted by nibbling long fins (concerns for example Guppy, Betta, Scalaria, etc...)
shy or very calm fish: they can be disturbed by the activity of the Tetra.
Breeding
Breeding
How to breed the Silvertip tetra?
Quite easy, the breeding of this species is accessible to all aquarists.
Prepare a breeding aquarium of 30/50 L / 6/11 Imp Gal / 8/13 US Gal containing slightly fresher water than the main aquarium. The light will be very low. You do not need a floor, but line the bottom of the aquarium with fine-leafed plants such as Java moss (make a thick mat). Alternatively, use a mop.
Isolate the couple you have selected (the most colourful and brightest possible). To trigger spawning, increase the temperature by a few degrees and gradually. Also distribute live or frozen prey in abundance.
After spawning, remove the parents. The eggs are small, sticky and translucent (you can see the future fry through: they are brownish or black). Incubation lasts from 24 to 36 hours. Free swimming occurs 5 to 6 days later.
After total consumption of the yolk sac, the translucent fry become very difficult to see. Don't worry, this is normal! If they are well fed, the fry grow rapidly.
Fry feeding: infusoria, rotifers, liquid food for 8 days then nauplia of cyclops for 5 days, then nauplia of newly hatched artemia.
Its aquarium
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Silvertip tetra?
In the wild, this fish can be found in shallow water, both in black and clear waters. In an aquarium, it will be more at ease in a reproduction of the Amazonian biotope.
As far as volume is concerned, in specific maintenance, a 60 L / 13 imp Gal / 16 US Gal tank is sufficient. In a community aquarium, start with a 200 L / 44 Imp Gal / 53 US Gal tank. To obtain soft water (between 1 and 8°dGH), use a mixture of tap water and osmosis water (for the proportions, test the hardness until you obtain the desired value).
The Silvertip tetra will feel more comfortable in a setting rich in vegetation. However, it will need a fairly large swimming area. To find a balance between these two conditions, plant your plants in a "U" shape, i.e., at the bottom and sides of the aquarium. Also choose floating plants that will gently diffuse light. In addition, this green and natural decor will highlight the colour of the Copper Grouse.
For the floor, a dark colour will bring out its pretty colour.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Very robust and adaptable, this species has long been conditioned to life in captivity. It can be offered to amateur aquarists without any problem.
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