Neon Tetra
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is the iconic small community fish - a tiny silvery fish with brilliant electric blue and red horizontal stripes.
Overview
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is the iconic small community fish - a tiny silvery fish with brilliant electric blue and red horizontal stripes. Schooling, peaceful, and beautiful, Neons have decorated home aquariums since the 1930s.
Natural History
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. Lives in slow-moving forest streams with tannin-stained water (blackwater).
Appearance
Adults 3-4 cm length. Blue stripe along upper body and red stripe along lower rear. Silvery underside.
Temperament & Tankmates
Peaceful schooling fish. Must be kept in groups of 6+ minimum, 10-15 preferred. Single or pair-housed Neons become stressed and short-lived.
Excellent in community tanks with other small peaceful species. Avoid with large fish (Angelfish eat adult Neons).
Tank Size & Setup
Minimum: 60 L (15 gallon) for a school of 6-10.
Soft water, gentle current, planted tank with dim lighting suits them best.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22-26°C.
- pH: 5.5-7.0 (acidic preferred).
- Soft water (low hardness).
Diet
Quality micro pellets, flake, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily.
Health & Lifespan
5-8 years (commonly 2-3 in pet shop conditions).
Common concerns:
- Neon Tetra disease (NTD) - incurable parasitic infection; quarantine new fish.
- Ich.
- Fin rot.
- Tank-cycle deaths from being added too early.
Pros & Cons
Pros: brilliant colours, peaceful schooling, attractive in planted tanks. Cons: mass-bred stock often fragile; Neon Tetra disease; sensitive to water quality.
Neon Tetra - frequently asked questions
How many do I need?
Minimum 6, ideally 10-15. Solo Neons fade and die.
Neon vs Cardinal Tetra?
Cardinal has red running the full length of body; Neon has red only the rear half. Cardinals are slightly larger and often hardier; Neons are more readily available.
How long do they live?
5-8 years with good care; commonly 2-3 in mass-market conditions.
Beginner fish?
After tank is cycled (4-6 weeks). Sensitive to ammonia/nitrite.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the fish
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our fish. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Domesticated from a dull carp over a thousand years ago in China, this orange fish is one of the oldest kept pets.
It's the Goldfish - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Easy to breed and colorful, the males of this small species sport flashy fan-shaped tails to court drab females.
It's the Guppy - read the full profile →
Clue 3.This category of hardy tropical fish includes the swordtail and platy and breeds readily in home tanks.
It's the Molly / Platy / Swordtail (Livebearers) - read the full profile →