银顶半线脂鲤 · Silvertip Tetra

Overview

Hasemania nana is a lively shoaling tetra with contrasting fin tips. Farmed stock is adaptable, but single fish can develop a nipping habit. A proper group is a better choice than keeping an isolated specimen.

Distribution & habitat

It comes from Brazil's São Francisco basin, using creeks and tributaries away from the main river channels. Both blackwater and whitewater occurrences have been reported.

Aquarium setup

A well-maintained planted aquarium works well even though aquatic plants are not prominent in its natural habitat. A simpler arrangement can use sand, branching wood, roots, and some dried leaves. Subdued lighting helps show its colors, while open space allows the group to remain active.

Diet & feeding

Flakes and granules are easily accepted. Regular additions of small live or frozen foods, including bloodworms, water fleas, and brine shrimp, help maintain condition and color.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is generally peaceful with compatible livebearers, danionins, rasboras, other small tetras, and quiet bottom dwellers. Suitable gouramis and dwarf cichlids are further possibilities. Avoid large fishes capable of swallowing it. Keep at least six, ideally ten or more; nipping shown by solitary specimens usually declines substantially in a group.

Sexual dimorphism

Males tend to be slimmer and more intensely colored than females.

Breeding

Either group or pair spawning can be used. Provide dim light, fine plants or spawning mops for the adhesive eggs, or mesh that keeps adults away from eggs on the bottom. Condition adults with varied live and frozen foods. For a pair, separate the sexes beforehand, then combine a ripe female and a strongly colored male; spawning often follows the next morning.

Remove the parents promptly. Hatching takes roughly twenty-four to thirty-six hours, with free swimming another three or four days later. Start with infusoria and progress to microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp. Eggs and early fry are sensitive to light, so keep the rearing aquarium subdued.

Notes

Members of Hasemania lack an adipose fin, a useful feature to notice when identifying this fish. It is also sold as the copper tetra, and trade supplies largely come from captive breeding.