Neon Tetra
Also known as: Paracheirodon innesi
The Neon Tetra is a small, vibrant freshwater fish renowned for its iridescent blue horizontal stripe and bright red tail, which create a striking visual effect in aquarium lighting. The Neon Tetra originates from Amazon Basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, specifically in blackwater and clearwater tributaries with dense vegetation and slow-moving currents., reaches Adult size: 3.5 cm in captivity, typically lives 5-8 years, and is kept at 22-26°C (72-79°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Lifespan: 5-8 years.
- Adult size: Adult size: 3.5 cm (1.4 inches).
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish; highly social and non-aggressive; best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Minimum tank: Minimum 40 liters (10.5 gallons) for a small school; 60+ liters (16+ gallons) recommended for optimal behavior and water stability.
- Water temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F).
- pH range: 5.0-7.0.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Amazon Basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, specifically in blackwater and clearwater tributaries with dense vegetation and slow-moving currents.
- Adult size
- Adult size: 3.5 cm (1.4 inches)
- Life span
- 5-8 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful, schooling fish; highly social and non-aggressive; best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Tank size
- Minimum 40 liters (10.5 gallons) for a small school; 60+ liters (16+ gallons) recommended for optimal behavior and water stability.
- Water temp
- 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH range
- 5.0-7.0
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms; feed small amounts 2-3 times daily.
- Other names
- Paracheirodon innesi
About the Neon Tetra
The Neon Tetra is a small, vibrant freshwater fish renowned for its iridescent blue horizontal stripe and bright red tail, which create a striking visual effect in aquarium lighting. Native to the soft, acidic waters of the Amazon Basin, it thrives in densely planted tanks with subdued lighting and gentle filtration. As a schooling species, it exhibits natural behaviors only when kept in groups of six or more, reducing stress and enhancing coloration. Its peaceful nature and hardiness make it a staple in community aquariums worldwide.
Lifespan and health
With proper care, Neon Tetras commonly live 5-8 years, though exceptional specimens may reach 10 years in pristine, stable environments; longevity is strongly correlated with consistent water quality, low stress from adequate schooling, and a nutritious diet. Common health issues include Neon Tetra Disease (a parasitic infection caused by Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, characterized by loss of color, spinal curvature, and wasting), which is highly contagious and incurable—affected fish should be isolated and humanely euthanized to prevent spread; other concerns include fin rot from poor water quality and ich (white spot disease) from stress or temperature fluctuations, both treatable with prompt water improvements and appropriate medication.
Overview
The Neon Tetra is a small, vibrant freshwater fish renowned for its iridescent blue horizontal stripe and bright red tail, which create a striking visual effect in aquarium lighting. Native to the soft, acidic waters of the Amazon Basin, it thrives in densely planted tanks with subdued lighting and gentle filtration. As a schooling species, it exhibits natural behaviors only when kept in groups of six or more, reducing stress and enhancing coloration. Its peaceful nature and hardiness make it a staple in community aquariums worldwide.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a dark substrate, driftwood, and dense planting with species like Java moss, Amazon sword, or Cryptocoryne to mimic natural blackwater conditions; provide open swimming areas and use a gentle filter to avoid strong currents. Maintain water parameters with weekly 25% water changes, using dechlorinated water matched to tank temperature; avoid sudden pH or temperature shifts, and ensure ammonia and nitrite remain at 0 ppm with nitrates below 20 ppm. Feed a varied diet of high-quality flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods 2-3 times daily, offering only what can be consumed in under 2 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water pollution.
Sources
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Neon Tetra, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.