Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) Care Guide

The Neon Tetra is a small, peaceful, and iconic freshwater fish, instantly recognizable by its iridescent blue stripe and bright red belly. Its vibrant colors and active schooling behavior make it a favorite for community and planted aquariums.

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.0
GH: 1–6
KH: 0–4
TDS: 80–150 ppm

Neon Tetras thrive in soft, slightly acidic water and well-cycled, stable aquariums. They prefer dim lighting to replicate their natural blackwater habitat.

Habitat Setup

Create a natural and comfortable environment with:

Dense live plants like Java Moss, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne
Open swimming areas in the mid-water column
Leaf litter and driftwood for shading and hiding

They feel safest in groups of at least 6–10, as they are social schooling fish.

️ Feeding

Neon Tetras are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet:

High-quality flakes or micro pellets
Frozen or live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms)
Occasional vegetable-based flakes or spirulina

Feed small portions 1–2 times daily — avoid overfeeding.

Tank Mates

Peaceful and small, Neon Tetras do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

Ideal companions:
Corydoras, Otocinclus, Rummynose Tetras, small Rasboras, and other peaceful Neocaridina shrimp.

Avoid large, aggressive, or fin-nipping fish.

⚠️ Behavioral Note: Keep them in groups of 6 or more — small groups can become stressed or display shy behavior. Larger schools display natural shoaling behavior and vivid colors.

Breeding

Breeding requires soft, acidic water (pH 5.0–6.0) and dim lighting. Eggs are scattered among fine plants or spawning mops. Fry are very small and feed on infusoria or liquid fry foods.

Interesting Fact

Neon Tetras get their name from the iridescent blue stripe along their body, which shines like neon lights in dim or blackwater conditions — a natural adaptation for schooling and predator avoidance in the Amazon Basin!

Reference: Bubbly Fish – Creating underwater wonders