The Neon Tetra is probably the world's most popular small tropical fish that really brightens up a freshwater tropical aquarium. Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) inhabit loactions in South America - the Rio Taquari, Brazilarea and Paraguay River basins. In the wild the neon tetra prefers to live in slow tributaries of large rivers with dark water that flows through the thick rain forest, so very small amount of sunlight gets into the water. The neon tetra lives in schools, a mid-level swimmer, and feeds on different insects.
Are Neon Tetra's easy to care for?
Neon tetra fish are quite easy to care for, and have no special dietary requirements. However, neon tetra are not particularly hardy and may struggle to acclimatise and thrive in water of a higher pH. A pH level of around 6.5 would be ideal, and is definitely worth checking prior to adding to your tank to avoid issues. Neons are a shoaling fish and thrive in higher numbers, so having a larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room and good filtration is highly recommended.
Are Neon Tetra's easy to care for?
Neon tetra fish are quite easy to care for, and have no special dietary requirements. However, neon tetra are not particularly hardy and may struggle to acclimatise and thrive in water of a higher pH. A pH level of around 6.5 would be ideal, and is definitely worth checking prior to adding to your tank to avoid issues. Neons are a shoaling fish and thrive in higher numbers, so having a larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room and good filtration is highly recommended.
Features
Approx. size: 1-2cm
Maximum size: 4cm
Origin: South America
Ideal number kept together: 6+
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7, temp 25 °C
Ideal pH: 5–7
Ideal pH: 5–7
Hardness: 18–215 ppm
Ideal temperature: 20–28 °C
Ease of Care
Easy. This tropical fish is great for hobbyist at all levels however they do need excellent water conditions as they are not a particularly hardy or long-lived fish, and can be quite sensitive to different water chemistry, especially when initially acclimatising. A lower pH of around 6.5 is recommended.
Feeding
Omnivorous. The main food we recommend would be flake crushed up or small granules. As the Neon Tetra's are small they cannot take big granules. Occasional live or frozen food can be given as a treat, such as bloodworm and daphnia.
Omnivorous. The main food we recommend would be flake crushed up or small granules. As the Neon Tetra's are small they cannot take big granules. Occasional live or frozen food can be given as a treat, such as bloodworm and daphnia.
Compatibility
Community with fish of a similar size. They feel most comfortable when in a shoal of other Neon's. Popular tankmates include guppies, white cloud mountain minnow, harlequin rasbora.
Breeding
Breeding may be challenging, because special water parameters are required. For successful breeding a tank with soft water 1-2 dGH and pH 5.0 – 6.0 is required. If the tank water is harder, neon tetra eggs won’t get inseminated.
Life Span
Because Neon Tetra are quite intensively bred in captivity, they are not considered a particularly hardy or long-lived fish. Neon Tetra have a lifespan of 1-3 years in perfect conditions.
