Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
The Neon Tetra is a small, brightly colored fish known for its vibrant blue and red stripes that run the length of its body. It is a favorite among aquarists due to its striking appearance and peaceful nature. Neon Tetras are schooling fish that thrive in groups, adding a lively and colorful presence to any aquarium.
Neon Tetras exhibit striking iridescent blue bodies with a bright red stripe along the lateral line, making them popular in aquariums.
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Quick Facts
Size
1.5 inches
Temperament
Peaceful
Difficulty
Beginner
Min Tank Size
10 gallons
Lifespan
5-10 years
Origin
South America
Diet
Omnivore - flakes, small pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia
Water Parameters
20-27°C
5-7.5
1-10 dGH
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This species needs 20-27°C in a 10 gallon tank. Use our heater calculator to find the right wattage.
Calculate heater sizeCare Notes
- Neon Tetras thrive in a planted aquarium with subdued lighting, a dark substrate, and plenty of cover (plants/wood/decor). A typical temperature range is about 20-26°C (often kept around 21-27°C for general care).
- Maintain water quality with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 and regular water changes, as they are sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters.
- Feed Neon Tetras a varied diet of high-quality flake food, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia to ensure balanced nutrition.
- These peaceful schooling fish should be kept in groups of at least six to eight, which can help reduce stress and allow them to display natural behaviors.
- Ideal tank mates for Neon Tetras include other small, peaceful community fish (small tetras/rasboras/danios) and gentle catfish like Corydoras. Avoid larger predatory fish that can eat them; also avoid known fin-nippers and overly boisterous tankmates.
- Neon Tetras can spawn in home aquariums; provide soft, slightly acidic water and dim lighting to encourage breeding, and use a separate breeding tank to protect the eggs from adult fish.
- Watch for common health issues such as Neon Tetra Disease, identified by changes in color and swimming patterns; swift isolation of affected fish is crucial to prevent the spread.
Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Other peaceful community fish like ember tetras or cardinal tetras
- Small rasboras like harlequin rasboras
- Corydoras catfish, which are gentle and thrive in similar water conditions
- Peaceful bottom dwellers like kuhli loaches
- Small, non-aggressive invertebrates like cherry shrimp
- Warning: Long-finned fish (e.g., guppies) can be stressed by fin-nippers; compatibility varies by individual fish and tank conditions.
Avoid
- Fin-nipping or aggressive fish (many barbs, some larger/boisterous species)
- Large cichlids that may view Neon Tetras as prey
- Territorial fish like certain gouramis
Habitat and Natural Environment
Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are native to the clearwater and blackwater streams of the Amazon Basin in South America. They thrive in warm, soft, and acidic waters that are densely vegetated.
Neon Tetras prefer environments that replicate their natural habitat, which include plenty of plants, roots, and driftwood.
Tank Setup Requirements
A well-planted aquarium with a soft substrate and low to moderate water flow is ideal for Neon Tetras. They require a heater to maintain water temperature between 70-81°F (21-27°C) and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons
- Water Hardness: 1-10 dGH
- Lighting: Low to moderate
Neon Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six for optimal health and well-being.
Feeding and Diet
Neon Tetras are omnivorous and require a balanced diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. High-quality flake food, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia are ideal.
Feed them small amounts two to three times daily, ensuring they consume the food within a few minutes.
Behavior and Temperament
Known for their peaceful nature, Neon Tetras are active swimmers and get along well with other non-aggressive fish. Their vibrant colors and shoaling behavior make them a popular choice for community tanks.
Avoid housing Neon Tetras with larger, aggressive fish that may see them as prey.
Breeding
Breeding Neon Tetras can be challenging but rewarding. They require specific conditions to spawn, including very soft water and subdued lighting.
- Spawning tank with a mesh or marbles to protect eggs
- Water temperature: 75-76°F (24-25°C)
- Dimming or black-out curtains for darkness
Separate the parents from the eggs after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Health and Common Issues
Neon Tetras are relatively hardy but can be susceptible to common freshwater diseases such as Ich and Neon Tetra Disease, which is a type of microsporidian disease.
Neon Tetra Disease is not treatable. Infected fish should be removed immediately to prevent spreading.
- Conduct regular water changes to maintain high water quality.
- Monitor for common symptoms such as fading colors, erratic swimming, or loss of appetite.
- Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.
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