About Neon Tetra
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.
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Alternatively, you might like to consider keeping tropical fish, which require water to be maintained at a constant temperature between 20 and 27 degrees C. There is a wide variety of tropical fish to choose from, however while many can be mixed together in the same aquarium, you need to be careful about considering compatibility between varieties of fish. 
Here at PAWS we will be happy to advise you on a suitable selection of fish for your tank. The temptation is to fill an aquarium with numerous fish of all sorts of different varieties and colour in order to make it look as attractive and interesting as possible. In reality, there are certain rules that need to be followed to ensure that you don’t overcrowd your aquarium. As tanks come in different shapes and sizes, there is no hard and fast rule, but considering size versus volume is a good guide. For coldwater fish, allow 0.5cm of fish per litre of water. For tropical fish, allow 1cm of fish per water. Remember stocking level guidelines work on the basis of fully grown adult fish, so you should keep fish growth in min
Your aquarium is a complete mini ecosystem housing fish that will be totally dependent on you for their welfare. As such, choosing the right tank or aquarium is vital, and there are a great deal available to choose from. Size is also important as this will determine the size and number of fish you will be able to keep, as is the positioning of your tank. Once your tank is full, it will be extremely heavy, so try to decide on where to position your tank before filling it up! As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to go for a slightly larger aquarium, as there is a greater margin for error in comparison to a smaller one. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind what will suit your home as well as what you can afford.
It is also very important to remember that when setting up a tank for the first time, it needs to be well established before you begin to stock it with fish. Once it is ready, the tank will need to be stocked gradually and slowly. We recommend that you come and visit us in store or contact us for further advice about stocking and the most suitable type of aquarium for your fish.
Keeping fish is not as simple as buying a tank, filling it with water and adding fish to it. There are a few things you will need to purchase to ensure that your tank is able to effectively house your fish and maintain a stable environment for them. If you are keeping tropical fish, both a thermostat and water heater are essential in setting and maintaining consistent water temperature. You will need to purchase gravel, a filtration system and a pump, as well as a water conditioner to make your tap water safe to use in the tank. Plants and ornaments will help you create an interesting and attractive environment. The equipment you will need for your aquarium will depend very much on the type of fish you plan to keep. Come and speak to us about your specific needs and we will be happy to guide you.
Fish food comes in flake, pellet or frozen form. These foods provide a perfectly balanced diet containing all the nutrients necessary to keep your fish healthy. Some fish feed from the surface, while others feed from the middle or from the bottom of the tank and you should keep this in mind when purchasing food for them. Surface feeders like flakes and floating pellets while mid-water feeders prefer granular or slow sinking food. Bottom feeders should be offered quick sinking foods or tablets. Feed your fish once a day and start with a small amount which you can adjust accordingly. Fish should be fed sparingly with a suitable proprietary brand. There are many to choose from. Your pet shop will be pleased to advise
Water quality is the most important factor in keeping fish healthy. As such, regular water changes are vital. You should siphon off 25% of water from the tank and replace it with fresh, conditioned water every two weeks. However, as all tanks are different and house different fish, it is a good idea to invest in a water quality testing kit which will enable you to keep an eye on the levels of nitrite and ammonia in the water so you’ll know when to carry out a water change. Check the thermometer at least daily. Never use hot water from the domestic supply. At least every 18 months completely empty the tank, keeping the water to refill afterwards, clean the rocks and gravel (not with detergent) and replace everything carefully. Remove uneaten food, rotting plants and excreta regularly.