Copper Tetra – Hasemania nana – 2 to 2.5 cm

Hasemania nana – Copper Tetra

The Copper Tetra (Hasemania nana) is a small freshwater fish native to South America. Its name comes from its distinctive metallic copper to golden colouration, which is particularly attractive when the fish are kept in a group.

Males generally display stronger copper to bronze tones, while females are often more golden and slightly fuller-bodied.

The specimens offered here are approximately 2 to 2.5 cm.

Adult Size

The Copper Tetra generally reaches approximately 4 to 5 cm as an adult.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 6 to 7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Clean, stable and properly filtered water is recommended.

What Size Aquarium for Copper Tetras?

An aquarium at least 60 cm long provides a basis for keeping a shoal of Hasemania nana. A larger aquarium, however, provides more swimming space for this active species and allows a larger group to be maintained.

Planted areas can be combined with plenty of open swimming space. A relatively dark background and décor can particularly enhance the fishes' copper colouration.

Behaviour and Shoaling

The Copper Tetra is an active and social shoaling fish. It should ideally be kept in a group of at least 10 individuals. A larger shoal is even better when aquarium size allows.

Interactions between individuals can be quite lively. Keeping a sufficiently large group helps distribute these interactions amongst the shoal and encourages more natural behaviour.

Copper Tetras can live alongside many other active, peaceful fish of a suitable size with compatible aquarium requirements.

Feeding

In the wild, Hasemania nana feeds on small invertebrates, insects, larvae and other small organisms.

In the aquarium, it readily accepts pellets and flakes suitable for the size of its mouth. Frozen or live foods such as Artemia and Daphnia can also be offered as part of a varied diet.

A varied diet helps maintain good condition and attractive colouration.

Breeding

The Copper Tetra is an egg-laying species. It scatters its eggs amongst fine vegetation and provides no parental care.

As adults may eat the eggs and newly hatched fry, controlled breeding generally requires the spawn to be protected.

Origin

Hasemania nana originates from South America, specifically Brazil.

Lifespan

Under suitable aquarium conditions, the Copper Tetra can live for approximately 4 to 5 years.

Never Release Aquarium Fish into the Wild

Hasemania nana must never be released into a river, pond, lake or any other natural environment.