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Description
The Neon Tetra is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the hobby, instantly recognisable by its brilliant electric-blue horizontal stripe and vivid red colouring across the rear half of the body. Their small size, peaceful temperament, and active schooling behaviour make them an excellent choice for community aquariums.
Native to the blackwater streams and tributaries of the Amazon Basin, Neon Tetras naturally inhabit shaded waterways surrounded by dense vegetation, leaf litter, and submerged roots. In the aquarium, they look particularly impressive when kept in a group, where their bright colours create a constantly moving display through planted aquascapes.
Neon Tetras are peaceful community fish and are best kept in groups of 8 or more, with larger schools displaying more confident and natural behaviour. They are excellent companions for other peaceful species such as Corydoras, Rasboras, small Gouramis, Otocinclus, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
A varied diet of quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other appropriately sized frozen or live foods will help maintain their colour, health, and condition.
Hardy, peaceful, and visually striking, Neon Tetras are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced freshwater aquarists.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
Common Name: Neon Tetra
Origin: Amazon Basin, South America
Adult Size: 3–4 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 40 Litres
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 5.0–7.5
Water Hardness: 1–12 dGH
Difficulty: Beginner
Lifespan: 3–5 Years
Suitable For: Community aquariums, planted tanks, nano aquariums, and Amazon-inspired aquascapes
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Neon Tetras should I keep?
Neon Tetras are schooling fish and should ideally be kept in groups of 8 or more. Larger groups generally display more natural behaviour and feel more secure.
Are Neon Tetras suitable for beginners?
Yes. Neon Tetras are peaceful and relatively easy to care for when kept in a mature aquarium with stable water conditions.
What do Neon Tetras eat?
They accept quality micro pellets and crushed flakes as well as frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp and daphnia.
Can Neon Tetras live with shrimp?
Yes. Adult shrimp are generally safe with Neon Tetras, although very small shrimplets may be eaten. Dense moss and plants provide valuable cover for young shrimp.
Can Neon Tetras live with other community fish?
Absolutely. They work particularly well with peaceful species including Corydoras, Rasboras, Otocinclus, small Gouramis, and other appropriately sized community fish.
Common Mistakes
Keeping too few
A small group can make Neon Tetras nervous and less active. A larger school creates more natural behaviour.
Adding them to an immature aquarium
Always introduce Neon Tetras to a fully cycled, stable aquarium.
Keeping them with aggressive fish
Avoid large predatory fish and aggressive tank mates that may harass or consume them.
Providing insufficient cover
Live plants, driftwood, and shaded areas help Neon Tetras feel secure and display their best colours.
Feeding only one type of food
Rotate quality dry, frozen, and live foods where possible to provide a balanced diet.
