Neon tetra
Paracheirodon innesi · Characidae
Also known as Neon
Beginner
The classic beginner shoaler: a blue stripe and red flank that glow against dark, planted water.
In short: A neon tetra needs at least 60 L (16 US gal), water at 21–27 °C (70–81 °F) and pH 5.5–7.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 8 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C (70–81 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
- Group size
- 8+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C (70–81 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–8 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen daphnia and baby brine.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Upper Amazon basin (Peru, Colombia, Brazil)
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Shaded blackwater streams over leaf litter
- Natural conditions
- Soft, acidic, tannin-stained water with dim light and slow flow.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 8 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasHarlequin rasboraOtocinclusCherry shrimp
- Avoid
- AngelfishOscarLarge cichlids
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Females are rounder with a slightly bent blue stripe.
- Notes
- Needs a dim, very soft blackwater spawning tank; eggs are light-sensitive.
- Common ailments
- Neon tetra diseaseIchPoor stock quality
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Neon tetra against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanksGuides and lists that mention the neon tetra
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- Aquarium water parameters explained
- How to choose compatible aquarium tank mates
- How to lower pH in an aquarium (and how to raise it)
- Cloudy aquarium water: causes by colour and how to clear it
- How often should you change aquarium water?
- Bristlenose pleco vs otocinclus: which should you choose?
- Why are my fish dying? A step-by-step checklist
- Best freshwater fish for beginners
- Fish for a 60-litre (16-gallon) aquarium
- Check the neon tetra with your other fish in the stocking checker
