đ Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
The Neon Tetra is one of the most iconic and beloved freshwater aquarium fish. Their brilliant blue stripe and red tail make them a stunning sight when kept in schools. These peaceful, hardy fish are perfect for community tanks and planted aquariums.
đ Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon innesi |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 1.5 inches (4 cm) |
| Minimum Tank | 10 gallons (38 liters) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, schooling |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Origin | Amazon Basin, South America |
â ī¸ Important Considerations
- Must be kept in groups - Minimum 6, prefer 10+
- Sensitive to new tanks - Add to established aquariums only
- Small prey - Don't keep with large predatory fish
- Neon Tetra Disease - Incurable, quarantine new fish
đ Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum for a school of 6
- Plants: Love densely planted tanks
- Lighting: Subdued lighting shows off colors best
- Substrate: Dark substrate enhances colors
Water Parameters
| Temperature | 70-77°F (21-25°C) |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Hardness | 1-10 dGH (soft water preferred) |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <20 ppm |
đŊī¸ Diet & Feeding
Omnivores that accept most small foods.
- High-quality flakes - Staple diet
- Micro pellets - Sinking or floating
- Frozen daphnia - Excellent treat
- Frozen brine shrimp - Variety
- Blanched vegetables - Occasional
Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily. Only what they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
đ Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Other tetras (Cardinal, Rummy Nose)
- Corydoras catfish
- Rasboras
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Peaceful barbs
- Small plecos
- Shrimp and snails
Avoid
- Large fish - Will eat neons
- Aggressive cichlids - Angels will prey on them
- Fin nippers - Tiger barbs, serpae tetras
- Bettas - Some bettas may attack
đĢ Schooling Behavior
- Keep minimum 6, ideally 10-20+
- Larger schools show more natural behavior
- Will school tightly when threatened
- Spread out when comfortable
đĄ Tips for Success
- Only add to cycled, mature tanks (6+ weeks old)
- Keep in larger schools for best coloration
- Use dark substrate and plants to enhance colors
- Maintain stable water parameters
- Quarantine new fish to prevent Neon Tetra Disease
đ Summary
Neon Tetras are the quintessential community fish - peaceful, beautiful, and easy to care for once established. Their iridescent blue and red coloring makes them a stunning addition to planted tanks. Keep them in schools in a mature aquarium with stable water parameters, and they can live up to 10 years.