Neon Tetra

CHARACTERISTICS

The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is an extremely popular species of tetra. They remain small, and are characterized by their shiny blue side-stripe, and bold red latter half. The red does not extend all the way across their bodies and rather stops at the fish's belly. 

The Neon Tetra is not difficult to care for, and is generally considered hardy. However, this fish is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters. That said, this fish is not suitable for aquariums that are brand-new or still cycling. Only add these fish to fully-cycled aquariums.

These fish live in shoals, and should be kept in groups for 3 or more. They do drastically better in larger groups. Neon tetra prefer water temperatures from the low 70’s to the low 80’s. They do well in water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. In the wild, these fish live in water that is slightly acidic, soft, and dark with tannins. A group of 3 tetras can be kept in a 5-gallon aquarium as an absolute minimum, but we would recommend keeping 6+ in a 10+ gallon aquarium for best results.

These fish are docile and easy-going, and can be kept with almost all small community fish. Aggression is rarely ever an issue for the Neon Tetra.

Picture of a Neon Tetra by Holger Krisp - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26431525