Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
72-78°F (22-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Neon Tetra
The neon tetra is a small, brilliantly colored freshwater fish native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin in South America. Its signature electric-blue stripe runs horizontally from the nose to the adipose fin, with a vivid red stripe extending from the mid-body to the tail. In the wild, these fish inhabit soft, acidic waters shaded by dense rainforest canopy. Their iridescent coloring evolved to help them stay visible to schoolmates in the dark, tannin-stained waters. Neon tetras are one of the most popular aquarium fish worldwide, prized for their peaceful nature and the stunning visual effect of a large school shimmering under aquarium lights.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.0
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep neon tetras in groups of at least eight to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. They thrive in a well-planted tank with subdued lighting and a dark substrate, which brings out their best coloring. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may view them as food. Neon tetras are sensitive to sudden water parameter changes, so perform small, frequent water changes rather than large infrequent ones. They are susceptible to neon tetra disease, a parasitic condition with no cure, so always quarantine new fish before adding them to an established school.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Neon Tetra
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Tank Mates for Neon Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Emerald Eye Rasbora
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easy · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Neon Tetra need?
A Neon Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Neon Tetra need?
Neon Tetra thrive in water between 72-78°F (22-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Are Neon Tetra easy to care for?
Neon Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Neon Tetra get and what do they eat?
Neon Tetra reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Keep neon tetras in groups of at least eight to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. They thrive in a well-planted tank with subdued lighting and a dark substrate, which brings out their best coloring. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may view them as food. Neon tetras are sensitive to sudden water parameter changes, so perform small, frequent water changes rather than large infrequent ones. They are susceptible to neon tetra disease, a parasitic condition with no cure, so always quarantine new fish before adding them to an established school.