Neon Tetra Care Guide: Color, Tank Mate, Size & Disease
Looking to add a beautiful and vibrantly colored species of the tetra fish family to your freshwater aquarium tank, then the Neon Tetra is for you.
Hailing from the tropical rainforests of South America, this freshwater fish is a peaceful community fish that is perfect for any beginner aquarium keeper.
With their iridescent blue and red stripes running vertically along their bodies, Neon Tetras are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world.
In this comprehensive care guide, we will go over everything you need to know about Neon Tetras, including their ideal tank mates, the best way to care for them, and common diseases to look out for.
Read on to learn everything there is to know about Neon Tetra care!
What is A Neon Tetra Fish?
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of the order Characiformes.
The Neon Tetra is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, east of the Andes Mountains.
It is a popular aquarium fish, sold under the trade name Neon Tetra, and is one of the most recognizable and widely traded fish in the freshwater aquarium trade industry.
The Neon Tetra was first described by German zoologist Carl H. Eigenmann in 1907. He named it Hyphessobrycon innesi after William T. Innes, an American Fish culturist who was the first to breed the fish in captivity.
The Neon Tetra is a small freshwater fish that measures only 1.2-1.6 cm (0.47-0.63 in) in length. It has a laterally compressed, disc-shaped body and is transparent with iridescent blue and red stripes running vertically along its body.
The Neon Tetra is a peaceful fish that is best kept in groups of six or more. It is a popular aquarium fish because of its bright colors and hardiness.
Now you know a little more about Neon Tetras, Let’s take a look at the fish species overview.
Species overview of Neon Tetra
| Scientific name: | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Common names | Neon tetra |
| Distribution: | Brazil, Colombia, Peru |
| Size: | 1–1.5 inches |
| Life expectancy: | 6–8 years |
| Color: | Blue, silver, or translucent with red markings |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Minimum tank size: | 10 gallons |
| Temperature: | 70–81°F (21–27°C) |
| pH: | 6.0–7.0 |
| Hardness: | 2–10 dGH |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Breeding: | Egg scatterer |
| Tank Mate Compatibility: | Nano fish, small shrimp and snails |
The Neon Tetra is a small freshwater fish that is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It is a popular aquarium fish because of its bright colors and hardiness.
The Neon Tetra is a peaceful fish that is best kept in groups of six or more. It is an egg scatterer and its diet consists of small shrimp and snails.
If you are looking for a brightly colored, easy-to-care-for freshwater fish, then the Neon Tetra is a great choice for you!
According to the Aquarium Fish Sales Association, around 1 million neon tetras are sold each week.
The Neon Tetra is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, it is important to maintain good water quality in the aquarium as the Neon Tetra is sensitive to changes in water parameters.
But you will be surprised to know that neon tetras rest occasionally to maintain their bright colors. Especially at night when it feels threatened, the colors of a neon tetra will fade away.
If you ever want to own this fish, buy it from your local aquarium shop. A fish cost $2.50 – $5.00 when I bought it. The price may change depending on the place you buy it.
All about Neon Tetra
Now you know two things about Neon Tetra, their species overview and price. So let’s continue to learn more about Neon Tetra!
Neon Tetras are one of the most popular aquarium fish for good reason – they’re beautiful, relatively easy to care for, and make great community fish.
I will now briefly discuss the appearance, color, size & life span of this fish.
Appearance
Neon Tetras have a sleek, streamlined body that is torpedo-shaped. They are mostly transparent with a blue line running along their sides and a red stripe on their fins.
Their belly is usually silver in color. You know why the fish look so beautiful because their body is divided by neon blue and red stripes.
If you have ever watched this fish standing in front of an aquarium tank for a few minutes, you will notice its u-shaped head.
The head has light blue covering the eyes and gills. The food intake mouth is much smaller compared to the body size.
Their total number of fins is 6, including 2 anal fins, 2 dorsal fins, and 2 pectoral fins.
The first thing people notice about Neon Tetras is their beautiful coloration. Their bodies are mostly transparent with a bright blue line running along their sides and a red stripe on their fins.
This combination of colors is what makes Neon Tetras so popular among aquarium hobbyists.
The upper part of the back of the fish is dark black followed by narrow long red spots on the lower part and the first part of the belly is white.
But from the fins of the anal passage to the beginning of the tail is red in color. The difference between men and women is that males have narrower body and their colors are more vivid.
The females are usually a little larger and their colors are not as bright.
Color Varieties
There are several color varieties of Neon Tetras available on the market today. While the original wild variety is the most common, you can also find them in blue, black, green, and even pink!
Blue Neon Tetra: As the name suggests, these fish have a blue body with a bright neon blue line running along their sides.
Black Neon Tetras are a relatively new color variety that has only been available for a few years.
They are mostly black with a bright neon blue line running along their sides.
Green Neon Tetra: Green Neon Tetras are another relatively new color variety.
They are mostly green with a bright neon blue line running along their sides.
Pink Neon Tetra: Pink Neon Tetras are the newest color variety and are quickly becoming one of the most popular.
They are mostly pink with a bright neon blue line running along their sides.
Size & Life Span
According to the data of the Brazilian Fish Research Institute, it is known that the fish can grow up to 4.
5 centimeters (1.8 inches) long, but they are usually only about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) in length when they are sold at pet stores.
As for the life span, Neon Tetras can live for up to 10 years if they are properly cared for. Male neon tetra fish compared to female fish have a slimmer body.
Also, the length of a male neon fish is usually 1.5 centimeters shorter than a female neon fish. In the wild, their lifespan is only about 2 to 3 years.
This is because they are constantly under threat from predators and have to compete for food.
In captivity, however, Neon Tetras can live for up to 10 years if they are properly cared for. The key to a long life for Neon Tetras is to provide them with a clean, stress-free environment.
Is Neon Tetra aggressive?
The answer is No, Neon Tetras are not aggressive fish. In fact, they are quite peaceful and make a great addition to any community aquarium.
Neon Tetras are a schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of 6 or more. They will often shoal with other small peaceful fish such as Corydoras Catfish, Harlequin Rasboras, and Diamond Tetras.
Type of Neon Tetra
There are many types of neon tetras found all over the world, but 4 species are most common in freshwater aquarium tanks.
If you are interested in adding this fish to your aquarium tank, give this piece a serious look.
1. Longfin Neon Tetras
| Native to: | Peru |
| Size: | Up to 1.8” (4.5 cm) |
| Life expectancy: | 5 – 10 years |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 5 gallons |
| Tank Temp: | 68 – 82°F (20 – 28°C) |
| Diet: | Omnivorous |
| Breeding: | Egglayer |
| Care Level: | Easy |
The Longfin Neon Tetras ( Paradeontochromis Longirostris) is a beautiful freshwater fish that is popular among beginner and experienced aquarists.
This species of neon tetra is native to the Amazon Basin in Peru. They are a relatively new species that was only discovered in 2006.
The Longfin Neon Tetras gets its name from its long fins. The fins of this fish are much longer than the fins of other neon tetra species.
The body of the Longfin Neon Tetra is blue with a horizontal stripe of electric blue running along its sides. The belly of this fish is white.
This fish is a peaceful community fish that does best when kept in groups of 6 or more. They are not aggressive fish and get along well with other peaceful fish such as Corydoras Catfish, Harlequin Rasboras, and Diamond Tetras.
The Longfin Neon Tetra is an omnivorous fish that will eat a variety of foods including pellets, flakes, frozen, and live foods.
2. Rummy Nose Neon Tetras
| Native to: | South America |
| Size: | 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) |
| Lifespan: | 4 – 5 years |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Tank Set-Up: | Freshwater with plants, hiding places |
The Rummy Nose Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a peaceful little freshwater fish that is perfect for the beginner aquarist. It is one of the original Neon Tetras and was first discovered in 1934.
The Rummy Nose gets its name from its bright red nose and striking black vertical stripe that runs from the eye to the tail.
The Rummy Nose is a small fish, only growing to be 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) in length. Despite their small size, they are very active swimmers and will add a splash of color to any freshwater aquarium.
3. Cardinal Neon Tetras
| Native to: | South America |
| Size: | 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) |
| Lifespan: | 4 – 5 years |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Tank Set-Up: | Freshwater with plants, hiding places |
| Breeding: | Egglayer |
| Care Level: | Easy |
The Cardinal Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium trade.
They are named for their bright red coloration, which is highlighted by a blue line that runs along their body from their head to their tail.
Cardinal Neon Tetras are native to the rivers and streams of South America, where they live in heavily forested areas.
They prefer slow-moving water with plenty of hiding places among the plants and roots. In the wild, Cardinal Neon Tetras live in schools of 20 or more fish.
In the aquarium, they will do best in a school of at least 6-8 fish. A school of Cardinal Neon Tetras is a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium.
The Cardinal Neon Tetra is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other peaceful community fish. They are not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
4. Albino neon tetras
| Native to: | South America |
| Size: | 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) |
| Lifespan: | 4 – 5 years |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Tank Set-Up: | Freshwater with plants, hiding places |
| Breeding: | Egglayer |
| Care Level: | Easy |
The Albino Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a beautiful freshwater fish that is popular in the aquarium trade.
They are native to the rivers and streams of South America, specifically in Peru and Brazil.
The Albino Neon Tetra is a small fish, only reaching a maximum size of 1.5 inches (4 cm).
They have a white body with an orange-red stripe running along the length of their body, from their nose to the base of their tail fin.
Albino Neon Tetras are peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 fish.
5 Personality of the Neon Tetra fish
Now you know the basics of Neon Tetra care, let’s move on and find out a little more about their personality.
In this part, I’ll explain their activity levels, whether they prefer to be alone or in a group, and if they’re aggressive towards other fish.
Very Peaceful: Neon Tetras are very peaceful fish and get along well with other peaceful community fish. They are not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
Schooling Fish: Neon Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 fish. They prefer to be in a group because it makes them feel more secure.
Active Fish: Neon Tetras are active fish that enjoy swimming around the aquarium. They are constantly on the move and prefer to be in an aquarium with plenty of open space to swim.
Do Not Like Being Alone: Neon Tetras do not like being alone and should always be kept in a group. If they are the only fish in the aquarium, they will become stressed and may even die.
Great community fish: As long as they are in a group of at least 6-8 fish, Neon Tetras make great community fish. They get along well with other peaceful fish and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
Pros and Cons of Neon Tetra Fish Farming In Aquarium Tank
There are several pros and cons of Neon Tetra fish farming that you should be aware of before deciding to add them to your aquarium.
Now you know the pros and cons of Neon Tetra fish farming, you can decide if they are the right fish for your aquarium.
Care guide for Neon Tetra
As mentioned earlier, Neon Tetras are very sensitive fish and require very specific conditions to thrive. In this section, I’ll go over everything you need to know in order to take care of your Neon Tetras.
Water Conditions
The first thing you need to take care of is the water conditions. Neon Tetras are very sensitive to changes in their environment and can easily die if the water conditions are not perfect.
The ideal temperature for Neon Tetras is between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit (24-28 degrees Celsius). The pH level should be between 5.5 and 7.0, and the hardness should be between 2-20 dGH.
If you’re not sure about the water conditions in your area, the best thing to do is to get a water testing kit and test the water yourself. This way, you can be sure that the water is safe for your Neon Tetras.
Filtration
To keep your aquarium tank water clean and your Neon Tetras healthy, you need to make sure that you have a good filtration system in place. I recommend using a canister filter or a hang-on-back filter.
Canister filters are generally more powerful and will do a better job at filtering out the water. However, they are also more expensive and can be difficult to install.
Hang-on-back filters are not as powerful as canister filters, but they are much easier to install and are more affordable.
No matter which type of filter you choose, make sure that you get one that is rated for at least twice the size of your aquarium tank. This way, you can be sure that the filter will be able to keep the water clean.
If you have a small aquarium tank, you may be able to get away with using a sponge filter. Sponge filters are very cheap and easy to maintain, but they are not as effective at filtering out water as other types of filters.
Plants
Neon Tetras are not particularly fond of plants, but they will not harm them. In fact, plants can actually be beneficial for your Neon Tetras because they help to oxygenate the water and provide hiding places for your fish.
Some good plants to include in a Neon Tetra tank are:
- Anubias
- Java Ferns
- Hornwort
- Water Wisteria
- Cryptocoryne
In terms of décor, Neon Tetras are not fussy. They do not need any fancy caves or rock formations. A simple setup with some live plants and a few hiding places will do the trick.
The best substrate for Neon Tetras is dark-colored gravel. This is because Neon Tetras are shy fish and they feel more comfortable in darker environments.
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- Minimum Tank Size 10 Gallons
- Tank Type Freshwater, heavily planted
- Temperature 70-80°F
- pH 6.0-8.0
- Hardness 10-15 dGH
- Flow Light
Neon Tetras are tropical fish and come from the Amazon River Basin in South America. In their natural habitat, Neon Tetras live in slow-moving waters with plenty of hiding places.
When choosing an aquarium tank for your Neon Tetras, it’s important to pick one that is at least 10 gallons (37.9 L).
Neon Tetras are schooling fish and do best when they are kept in groups of at least 6. Therefore, it’s important to have an aquarium that is large enough to accommodate your fish.
In terms of filtration, Neon Tetras are not particularly fussy. Any type of filter will do as long as it is powerful enough to cycle the water in your tank.
As for lighting, Neon Tetras prefer dimmer conditions. A simple fluorescent tube light will do the trick.
The water temperature for Neon Tetras should be between 70-80°F (21.1-26.7°C) and pH level of the water should be between 6.0 and 8.0.
To Best replicate their natural habitat, Neon Tetras should be kept in a heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding places.
Tank Mates
Neon Tetras are peaceful fish and can be kept with a variety of different tank mates. Some good options include:
- Guppies
- Platies
- Corydoras Catfish
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Kuhli Loaches
When choosing tank mates for your Neon Tetras, it’s important to avoid any fish that are too aggressive or too large. Neon Tetras are small fish and can easily be bullied or eaten by larger fish.
It’s also a good idea to choose tank mates that have similar care requirements to Neon Tetras. This will make it easier to maintain the water quality in your tank.
If you’re not sure which fish are compatible with Neon Tetras, ask your local fish store for advice. They will be able to recommend some good options based on your individual set-up.
Feeding Your Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of different foods. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, worms, crustaceans, and plant matter.
In captivity, Neon Tetras can be fed a variety of commercially prepared foods as well as live or frozen foods. Some good options include:
- Flake food
- Pellets
- Brine shrimp
- Blood worms
- Daphnia
It’s important to feed your Neon Tetras a variety of different foods to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Neon Tetras should be fed once or twice a day. A good rule of thumb is to feed them as much as they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues in your tank so it’s important to stick to this feeding schedule.
Breeding Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are easy to breed in captivity and will often breed without any intervention from the aquarist.
To encourage breeding, it’s a good idea to set up a separate breeding tank. This tank should be at least 10 gallons (37.9 L) and decorated with plenty of plants and hiding places.
The water conditions in the breeding tank should be similar to the conditions in the main tank. However, the water temperature can be raised a few degrees to 82-84°F (27.8-29°C).
Once the breeding tank is set up, you can add a group of 6-8 Neon Tetras. It’s best to choose fish that are of similar size and age.
The Neon Tetras will often start breeding within a few weeks. The female Neon Tetras will lay their eggs on plants or other objects in the tank.
After laying the eggs, the parents should be removed from the tank to avoid them eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch after 24-48 hours and the fry will be free swimming a few days later.
The fry can be fed commercially prepared foods or live foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia.
Neon Tetras are hardy fish and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for and breed and their bright colors add a splash of color to any tank.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and low-maintenance fish, Neon Tetras is a good option. Just be sure to provide them with a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places and choose tank mates carefully.
Common disease problems
Neon Tetras fish are more prone to getting sick than others. Some of the most common disease problems include:
Ich: This is a common disease that can affect Neon Tetras. It’s caused by a parasite that attaches to the fish’s skin and fins, causing irritation and inflammation. Symptoms include white spots on the body, lethargy, and increased breathing.
Treatment: Ich can be treated with a variety of different medications. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and quarantine any sick fish to prevent the spread of the disease.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections are common in Neon Tetras and can be caused by a variety of different bacteria. Symptoms include lethargy, red spots on the body, and increased breathing.
Treatment: Bacterial infections can be treated with a variety of different medications. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and quarantine any sick fish to prevent the spread of the disease.
Protozoan infections: Protozoan infections are common in Neon Tetras and can be caused by a variety of different protozoans. Symptoms include lethargy, white spots on the body, and increased breathing.
Treatment: Protozoan infections can be treated with a variety of different medications. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and quarantine any sick fish to prevent the spread of the disease.
How to Add Neon Tetra to Your Aquarium Tank?
Adding Neon Tetras to your aquarium is a great way to brighten up your tank and add some color. Here are a few tips on how to add Neon Tetras to your aquarium:
Choose the right size tank. Neon Tetras need at least 10 gallons (37.9 L) of water.
Choose the right tank mates. Neon Tetras are peaceful fish and do best with other peaceful fish such as Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus catfish, and smaller tetras.
Set up the tank. Be sure to add plenty of plants and hiding places for the Neon Tetras.
Add the Neon Tetras. Once the tank is set up, you can add the Neon Tetras. It’s best to add 6-8 fish at a time.
Enjoy your new fish! Neon Tetras are a great addition to any aquarium and will brighten up your tank with their vibrant colors.
Some Pro Tips for Keeping Neon Tetra Fish in an Aquarium
Neon tetras are a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts because of their vibrant colors and peaceful nature. Here are some tips on how to care for neon tetras:
1. Provide plenty of hiding places. Neon tetras like to have lots of places to hide, so be sure to include plenty of plants and other decorations in your aquarium.
2. Keep the water clean. Be sure to perform regular water changes and use a good filtration system to keep the water quality high.
3. Feed them a variety of foods. Neon tetras are omnivorous, so they need a diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Offer them a variety of foods, including live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods.
4. Avoid adding too many fish at once. When stocking your aquarium, it’s best to add a few fish at a time and allow them to acclimate to their new environment before adding more.
5. Don’t overcrowd the tank. Neon tetras need plenty of space to swim, so be sure to choose an aquarium that’s large enough to accommodate them.
By following these tips, you can create a happy and healthy environment for your neon tetras.
Which Reasons You Should Keep Neon Tetra in Your Aquarium?
Neon tetras are one of the most popular aquarium fish for a reason: they’re absolutely beautiful. Neon tetras have an iridescent blue body with a bright red stripe that runs along their sides.
But beyond their physical beauty, there are several other reasons why you should keep neon tetras in your aquarium.
1. They’re Easy to Care For
Neon tetras are relatively easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
They’re not particularly demanding when it comes to water conditions and they can thrive on a variety of different diets.
2. They’re Peaceful Fish
Neon tetras are peaceful fish, which means they can be kept with a wide variety of other fish species.
If you’re looking to create a community aquarium, neon tetras are a good choice.
3. They’re Active Fish
Despite their small size, neon tetras are active fish that love to swim.
They’re constantly on the move, which adds interest and activity to your aquarium.
4. They’re Affordable Fish
Neon tetras are relatively affordable fish, which makes them a good choice if you’re on a budget.
They can be found for as little as $0.50 per fish, making them a great option if you’re just starting out with aquariums.
5. They’re Hardy Fish
Neon tetras are hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of water conditions.
This makes them a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists who are still learning how to care for their fish.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance fish, neon tetras are a good choice. They’re easy to care for, peaceful, and active, and they’ll add interest and activity to your aquarium.
The Summary
Maybe you are now planning to have a Neon Tetra in your aquarium at home. But before you go to the store and buy one, it’s important to do some research on how to care for them properly.
This guide provides some basic information on Neon Tetras, including their color, tank mates, size, and disease. It also offers some tips on setting up a healthy environment for your Neon Tetra.
Looks like we have come to the end of this blog post today! I hope that by now, you have a better understanding of Neon Tetras and how to care for them properly.
If you any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and good luck with your Neon Tetras!