About Silver Tip Tetra
The Silver Tip Tetra is an energetic and somewhat boisterous small tetra named for the distinctive white-silver tips on its fins. These active fish have a coppery-orange to bronze body color that intensifies in males during spawning. While generally peaceful, they are more active and slightly more nippy than other tetras, especially if not kept in adequate groups. Their constant movement and schooling behavior make them excellent dither fish for shy species.
Care Guide
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
Silver Tips are very active swimmers that need open space. They are not suitable for calm, heavily planted tanks without swimming room.
Essential Setup:
- Heater maintaining 74-77°F
- Moderate filtration (handle their activity)
- Open swimming space essential
- Some plants for security
- Dark substrate enhances colors
Water Quality
- Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
Adaptable to various water conditions.
Feeding
Omnivores with good appetites:
- Quality flake foods
- Small pellets
- Frozen or live foods
- Accept most standard foods readily
Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily.
Behavior & Compatibility
Important: More active and slightly nippier than other tetras.
Good With:
- Fast-moving community fish
- Other tetras
- Barbs
- Livebearers
- Corydoras
Avoid:
- Long-finned fish (may nip)
- Very slow, sedentary fish
- Timid species that need calm
- Bettas
Schooling Requirements
Keep in groups of 8-10 minimum to distribute aggression and encourage schooling rather than fin-nipping.
Tips for Success
- Provide plenty of swimming space
- Keep in larger groups to minimize nipping
- Good for active community tanks
- Not suitable for peaceful, slow tanks
- Excellent dither fish for shy cichlids