Silvertip tetra

The silvertip tetra is a small, active characin from the São Francisco basin of eastern Brazil, easily recognised by its warm coppery-tan body and the bright white tips on its fins. Dominant males intensify to a deeper golden hue. It is a hardy, undemanding schooling fish ideal for beginners, but must be kept in a group of at least eight to curb its tendency to nip fins when kept in low numbers. Provide a planted tank with open swimming space and a dark substrate to show off its colour. Water is flexible: temperature 22-28C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard. An eager omnivore, it accepts flake, micropellets and small frozen foods. Lively and somewhat boisterous, it suits similarly robust community fish rather than very timid tankmates.