If there was just one fish I could keep for the rest of my life, then the Neon Tetra would definitely be one of my top considerations.
This is a small freshwater fish that is commonly kept as a pet in home aquariums. They are known for their vibrant, neon blue and red coloration, which is why they are called “neon tetras”. This coloration is very rare among freshwater fish. They are also relatively easy to care for, further boosting their popularity.
Here is everything there is to know about this amazing fish.
At a Glance
| Common Name | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Size | 1.5 inches (4 cm) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Habitat / Native To | Orinoco and Amazon River Basin in South America |
| Diet | Flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods |
| Tank Mates | Peaceful fish such as Guppies, Corydoras, and other small Tetras. |
| Color | Neon blue and bright red |
Natural Habitat
The natural habitat of the Neon Tetra consists of the tributaries and smaller streams of the Orinoco and Amazon River basins in South America. They are found in the wild in the countries of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. In their natural habitat, Neon Tetras live in warm, clear, and acidic water. They are most commonly found in the upper and middle layers of the water column among dense vegetation and leaf litter.
They are also found in the shallow, slow-moving parts of rivers and streams that have a sandy or muddy bottom. In the wild, Neon Tetras live in small schools, and they feed on small insects and crustaceans.
The water in these parts tends to be muddy with low visibility, and these fish use their neon coloration to spot each other.
Physical Description Of Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are among the smaller freshwater fish popular in the aquarium trade. They typically reach a maximum length of about 1.5 inches (4 cm) as adults. They are slender and have a laterally compressed body shape, which allows them to move easily through dense vegetation and other obstacles in their natural habitat.
The most striking feature of Neon Tetras is their vivid coloration. They have a bright blue-green neon colored horizontal stripe on their back and upper sides, which fades to a bright red color on their lower sides and belly. They have black eyes, which adds to their distinctive appearance. They also have transparent fins, which further emphasizes their bright body colouration.
Neon Tetras have a lifespan of about 3-5 years in captivity. They are hardy fish that are peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other small fish species. All these qualities are quite rare among fish that are this colorful, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular with aquarists.
Neon Tetra Behaviour and Temperament
Neon tetras are peaceful and social fish that should be kept in groups. They are active and enjoy swimming in schools, where they exhibit their bright and vibrant colors the most. They are among the most docile freshwater fish you can get in the hobby. They are also one of the best schooling fish you can get. Keeping at least a dozen Neon Tetras is the best way to maximize the neon effect. Once they are comfortable in the tank, they will even follow their owner around whenever he or she is near the tank.
One unique characteristic of this fish is that its color will fade in the dark. It is common to find your Neon Tetra appear almost colourless in the morning. As long as they stay active and regain their brilliant coloration in about an hour in the light, there is no need to panic.
Neon Tetra Tank Mates
Neon tetras are peaceful fish that can be kept with a variety of tank mates. They are best kept in a group of at least 6-8 individuals, although I would recommend at least 10-12 of them. They thrive in a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. They are compatible with other small, peaceful fish and invertebrates such as:
- Cardinal tetras
- Ember tetras
- Rummy nose tetras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Swordtails
- Corydoras catfish
- Ghost shrimp
It is important to avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish or with fish that prefer cooler water temperatures, as this can cause stress and illness.
Even though Betta fish are know for their aggression, neon tetras are one of the fish that can be kept with them very easily. I have a Betta fish called Bluey and he’s in a tank with 10 neon tetras.
Neon Tetra Aquarium Setup
These fish aren’t demanding at all. To set up an aquarium for Neon Tetras, you will need the following items:
- Aquarium tank: Neon Tetras are small fish and can thrive in a tank as small as 10 gallons. However, it’s recommended to get a tank of at least 20 gallons to provide enough space for a small school of Neon Tetras and other tankmates.
- Filter: A good filter is essential for maintaining clean and healthy water for your Neon Tetras. A filter rated for at least twice the volume of your tank is ideal.
- Substrate: Neon Tetras prefer a dark substrate, such as black gravel or sand.
- Lighting: Neon Tetras need low to moderate lighting, so a standard aquarium light will work fine. Avoid intense lighting as it will stress these fish and wash out their colours.
- Decorations and/or Plants: Neon Tetras appreciate hiding places and plants. You can use artificial or live plants.
- Water conditioner: Neon Tetras are very sensitive to water quality, so it’s important to use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other impurities from tap water. You’ll also need to ensure you do regular water changes and test your water regularly to keep them healthy and happy.
- Thermometer: To monitor the water temperature and make sure it stays between the ideal range.
Ideal Neon Tetra Water Parameters
The ideal water parameters for Neon Tetra fish are as follows:
- Temperature: 72°F-82°F (22°C-28°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Water hardness: Soft to medium-hard (up to 15 dGH)
Neon Tetras are tropical fish, so they require a heater to maintain a consistent temperature in the tank.
Neon Tetra Aquarium Cycling & Maintenance
Cycling an aquarium before adding fish, such as Neon Tetras, is an important step in providing the fish with a healthy environment. The process of cycling an aquarium involves establishing a beneficial bacteria colony that will convert harmful ammonia and nitrite into relatively harmless nitrate.
To cycle a new aquarium, one of two methods can be used – the fishless cycle or the fish-in cycle. I am strongly against using the fish-in cycle as it is inhumane and unnecessary.
The fishless cycle involves adding a source of ammonia to the tank, such as pure ammonia or fish food, and allowing the bacteria to grow without any fish present. Regular water changes over a period of time and testing will show when the tank is cycled as there won’t be any ammonia or nitrite left. Do a 25% water change, and the tank is considered cycled.
Once the tank is cycled, regular maintenance is important to keep the water clean and healthy for the fish. This includes:
- Regular water changes: It’s recommended to change out 20-25% of the tank water every 1-2 weeks. I personally change out 50% of the water every week.
- Monitoring water parameters: Keep an eye on pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to ensure they are within the appropriate range for Neon Tetras.
- Cleaning the tank: Scrape any algae build-up off the glass.
- Cleaning the filter: The filter media needs to be cleaned half at a time once every three months and replaced half at a time once every six months.
Aquascaping A Neon Tetra Fish Tank
Neon Tetra look and feel their best in a densely planted tank. Here are some tips for aquascaping a Neon Tetra tank:
- Use low-light plants: Neon Tetras live in muddy waters with low-light penetration. Replicating this in the aquarium not only makes them feel comfortable but it also brings out their coloration in the best manner possible. Choose plants that thrive in such conditions. There are plenty of choices and the aquarium, as a whole, will be easy to maintain.
- Use natural-looking décor: Use items such as rocks, driftwood, and pebbles to recreate the Amazon riverbed. Pebbles with a sandy substrate and lot of driftwood to replicate sunken branches is my favourite approach.
- Create hiding places: Neon Tetras are timid fish and appreciate places to hide. Use the décor to create plenty of hiding spots for the fish to feel safe.
- Keep it simple: Remember that less is more when it comes to a Neon Tetra tank. The fish are the stars of the show, and the plants are there just to provide them with a safe haven and accentuate their appearance.
- A small tank with small plants yields the best aesthetic: Normally, I would recommend getting the largest tank you can afford and accommodate, but with Neon Tetras, smaller tanks will help you appreciate their beauty better. Use similarly proportioned plants.
Finally, remember that the most crucial thing is to provide a healthy environment for your fish.
Best Aquarium Plants for Neon Tetra
There are several types of aquarium plants that are well-suited for Neon Tetra tanks. These include
- Java Moss
- Java Fern
- Amazon Sword
- Hornwort
- Anubias
- Cryptocoryne
- Twisted Vallisneria
- Water Wisteria
- Marimo Moss Balls
These plants aren’t particularly demanding, readily available, and grow well in similar water conditions.
Hardscaping a Neon Tetra Tank
While a planted tank offers the best home for these fish, you can successfully keep them in a hardscaped tank. Here are some tips for hardscaping a Neon Tetra tank:
Use natural-looking materials: Use rocks and wood that resemble those found in the natural habitat of Neon Tetras.
Create a focal point: Use a larger rock or piece of wood as a focal point in the tank to draw the eye and add interest.
Create different levels: Use rocks and wood to create different levels in the tank. This will add depth and interest to the tank and will also give the fish different areas to explore.
Use caves and hiding spots.
Avoid overcrowding.
Use a variety of sizes and shapes: Mix and match different sizes and shapes of rocks and wood to create a natural-looking environment.
Do not clutter: Remember that less is more. A simple, natural-looking tank is often more pleasing to the eye than a cluttered one.
Neon Tetra Diet and Feeding
Neon Tetras are active fish that require a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. In the wild, they primarily eat small insect larvae, microworms, and crustaceans. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. Follow these guidelines to keep these fish properly fed.
- Feed small, frequent meals: Neon Tetras are small fish with small stomachs, so it’s best to feed them small, frequent meals throughout the day.
- Use a variety of foods: Offer a variety of foods to provide a well-balanced diet. Neon Tetras can be fed flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and blood worms.
- Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can cause water pollution and can lead to health problems for the fish.
- Observe feeding behavior: Watch the fish during feeding time to ensure that all individuals get enough to eat and that no individual is bullied or excluded.
A well-balanced diet is essential for the overall health and well-being of your Neon Tetras.
Neon Tetra Health Problems & Disease
Neon Tetras are hardy fish, but they can become sick and contract diseases under poor conditions. These include:
| Disease | Cause | Symptoms | Cure | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon Tetra Disease | Caused by microbial spores | Restlessness, Loss of colour, Cysts, Curved spines, Bloating | Incurable | Quarantine infected fish. Get high-quality food from a reliable source |
| Ich | Parasitic infection caused by poor water conditions | Small white spots all over the body | A partial water change followed by treatment with over-the-counter medication for itch available at aquarium stores | Maintain good water quality |
| Fin Rot | Bacterial infection caused by poor water condition and/or injury | Frayed fins, Open wounds at the base of the fins | Anti-bacterial medication available at pet stores | Maintain good water quality and avoid anything sharp inside the aquarium to prevent injuries |
| Fish tuberculosis | Bacterial infection caused by a weak immune system | Sunken or bloated bodies, Bulging eyes, Irregular fins | Anti-bacterial medication available at pet stores | Provide a well-balanced diet with regular tank maintenance |
| Hole in the head disease | Possibly caused by internal parasites | Cavities in the head, Whitish coating on the body | Quarantine the affected fish. Give it a salt bath with one tablespoon aquarium salt for every 40 gallons of water | Keep the tank clean and quarantine any new additions |
| Velvet disease | Dinoflagellate infections | Velvet like coating on the body, Loss of appetite, Constant rubbing against objects inside the aquarium | Over-the-counter medication meant for velvet disease | Keep the tank clean and quarantine any new additions |
One of the benefits of their cool colouration is that it can act as an early warning signal. If all the Neon Tetra lose their coloration during the day even after the light has been turned on for a couple of hours, then it is a good indication that something is wrong and you need to investigate further.
Are Neon Tetras And Cardinal Tetras The Same?
No, Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras are not the same. They are two different species of fish.
Neon Tetras tend to be smaller, while Cardinal Tetras grow to be slightly larger. The Cardinal Tetras’ Blue and Red stripes do not merge as they do in Neon Tetras. Instead, they run parallel to each other for almost the entire length of their bodies.
Both species are relatively easy to care for, but Neon Tetras are hardier. You can keep both fish species together in the same tank without any issues.
Neon Tetra Breeding
Breeding Neon Tetras can be a rewarding experience. It is not the easiest thing to do, though. Here is how you can get started:
- Provide optimal water conditions: Neon Tetras require specific water conditions for breeding, including a pH of 6.0, a water hardness of up to 15 dGH, and a temperature of 76°F-78°F (24.5°-25.5°C).
- Set up a breeding tank: It is best to set up a separate breeding tank for the fish. The tank should be well-planted with java moss, java fern, or other fine-leaved plants to provide hiding places for the fry.
- Condition the fish: To prepare them for breeding, feed them a varied diet of live, frozen, and high-quality dry foods. This will help to improve their overall health and condition.
- Select breeding pairs: Observe your Neon Tetras to determine which fish are the most healthy and active. These fish will make the best breeding pairs.
- Introduce the breeding pairs: Once you have selected your breeding pairs, place them in the breeding tank together. Do a large water change. The fish will often begin courting behaviours and breeding soon after.
- Care for the eggs: Once the eggs are laid, they will usually hatch within 24-36 hours. The parents will often eat the eggs, so it’s best to remove the parents from the breeding tank after spawning.
- Raise the fry: Once the eggs have hatched, the fry will need to be fed small amounts of food, such as baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes, several times a day. As the fry grow, they can be fed larger foods such as microworms.
Keep in mind that breeding Neon Tetras can be challenging, and not all pairs will breed successfully. Also, some difficulty may arise in raising the fry.
Neon Tetra Biotope
A biotope is an aquarium setup that simulates the natural habitat of the fish, and it is quite popular among Neon Tetra enthusiasts. It’s not for everyone but if you are interested in one, here is how to approach it.
Substrate: A dark-coloured substrate, such as black sand, aquasoil or fine gravel, can be used to mimic the appearance of the dark, nutrient-rich soil found in the Amazon basin.
Lighting: Neon tetra fish come from shaded areas, so low to moderate lighting is ideal for a neon tetra biotope.
Plants: Live plants are essential in a Neon Tetra biotope. Some suitable options include Java fern, Anubias, and Echinodorus species. These plants will provide cover and shade for the fish and help to create a natural-looking environment.
Decorations: Driftwood, roots, and rocks can be used to create a natural-looking environment that mimics the rivers and tributaries of the Amazon basin. Leaves that release tannins should be added to give the water that stained, muddy look. Almond leaves do a good job at this. You can generally find these only at specialist aquarium stores or look online.
Fish: Neon Tetra will be the main focus of a Neon Tetra biotope, but other fish that are native to the same region can be added to the aquarium to create a more authentic environment. Some suitable options include Cardinal Tetra, Rummy Nose Tetra (my personal favorite!), Black Neon Tetra, and Ghost Shrimp.
Neon Tetra FAQs
How big do Neon Tetras get?
Neon Tetras are small fish, usually growing to about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length.
How many Neon Tetras can be kept in a tank?
Neon Tetras are small fish and do well in schools. It’s best to keep at least 6-8 of them together (absolute minimum). The general rule of thumb is 1cm of fish per 1 litre of water.
How long do Neon Tetras live?
Neon Tetras typically live for 3-5 years in captivity, with proper care.
What tank mates are suitable for Neon Tetras?
Neon Tetras are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish, such as Guppies, Corydoras, and other small tetras.
Are Neon Tetras easy to breed?
Neon Tetras are not considered to be easy to breed in captivity, and it can be challenging to get them to breed successfully for beginners.
How can I tell if my Neon Tetra is sick?
Signs of illness in Neon Tetras include loss of color, clamped fins, lack of appetite, lethargy, and abnormal swimming behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action quickly by isolating the affected fish and consulting a veterinarian or fish expert for advice.
Are Neon Tetras sensitive to water parameters?
Neon Tetras are relatively hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, but they do require specific water parameters for optimal health. These include a pH of 6-7, a water hardness of up to 15 dGH, and a temperature of 72°F-82°F (22°C-28°C).
To Sum Things Up
Neon Tetras are popular among aquarium enthusiasts for several reasons. Here are a few reasons why they make great pets:
- Bright and colourful
- Peaceful and easy to care for
- Suitable for small tanks
- Schooling fish
- Live well in community tanks
- Good for low-tech planted tanks
- Affordable
Every hobbyist should keep Neon Tetras at least once, and their undemanding nature makes them perfect for aquarists of all levels of expertise. These fish will help you create the most stunning aquariums without requiring a lot of effort and money. They are an absolute must-have in a peaceful community tank. It is even better if the tank is densely planted.
To put it simply, if you want an aquarium that looks like a million dollars but doesn’t cost anywhere near that, then use the Neon Tetra as your jumping-off point.
