Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring a flash of electric blue and red to your freshwater aquarium with Neon Tetras. A shimmering blue stripe runs along each small, slender body, paired with a red stripe across the rear half. A group moving through green plants creates a lively display without overwhelming the aquascape. These peaceful, social fish feel more secure with their own kind and may become shy when kept alone or in very small groups.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; best in an established aquarium

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Adult Size: Approximately 1.5 inches

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons; 20 gallons recommended for a larger school

• Temperature: 72–76°F

• pH: 6.0–7.0

• Water Hardness: Soft water, generally below 10 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore

• Swimming Area: Middle

• Recommended Quantity: At least 6; preferably 10 or more when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide plants, shaded areas, gentle filtration, and open swimming space. Neon Tetras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions.

Good companions include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, and Corydoras catfish with compatible care requirements. Avoid large, aggressive fish or any fish that could swallow them.

Feeding

Feed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, supplemented with Daphnia and Bloodworms. Crush pellets or cut larger bloodworms into smaller pieces as needed to fit their small mouths.