Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Neon Tetra is undoubtedly one of the most recognized fishes in the hobby. Native to tributaries and drainages in Brazil, Peru and Colombia, many Neon tetra available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. These aquacultured specimens are somewhat hardier than their wild counterparts. The Neon tetra has a stocky body, with a bright blue stripe that runs the entire length of it while the red stripe only runs halfway. These characters distinguish it from the closely related Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi). Neon tetras are natural schooling fish, requiring at least 8 to 10 individuals but the more the merrier when it comes to this species. A larger group of Neon tetra does make for a bigger statement! An adult Neon tetra can reach a size of approximately 1″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Neon tetra are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Neon tetra. While these tetra are small, this size aquarium better provides a stable environment. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger group. Neon tetras are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). Given the environments in which they come from, Neon tetra like gentle water flow, softer water and a more acidic pH. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate, driftwood and dense vegetation (artificial or live, though live plants are preferred). Neon tetra would also benefit from some floating plants to dim the lighting. Neon tetras are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species. Mix Neon tetra with other peaceful shoaling tetra and rasbora species to provide them with security. Given that Neon tetra are always out and about, they serve as a good “dither” fish for more shy fish species. Extra care should be taken acclimating Neon tetras. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 2-8, pH 5.5-7.0.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 3/4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
