Product Details

Black Neon Tetra – Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Overview:

The Black Neon Tetra is a peaceful shoaling tetra with a smart, high-contrast look: a dark body, glowing pale stripe and subtle greenish-white shimmer along the side. Unlike the brighter blue-and-red Neon Tetra, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi has a more understated, elegant appearance that works especially well in planted aquariums with darker substrate and soft lighting. It is hardy when settled, easy to feed and an excellent choice for a mature community aquarium.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Black Neon Tetra
Other Names: Black Neon, Black Neon Fish, Black Tetra
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Fish Type: Tetra
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Black Neon Tetra is native to South America, where it is reported from the upper Rio Paraguay in Brazil, including Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Seriously Fish describes the species as widespread through this upper Paraguay system, while FishBase lists it as a freshwater tetra that feeds on worms, small crustaceans and plant matter.

In the wild, it is associated with calm tributaries, vegetated areas and softer water environments. In the aquarium, it shows best in mature planted tanks with open swimming space, shaded areas, wood, floating plants and gentle to moderate flow.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Black Neon Tetras have a slim but slightly deeper body than the standard Neon Tetra. The main feature is the bright pale stripe running along the upper side, usually white, greenish or yellow-green, with a darker black stripe beneath it. The eye often has a small orange to red highlight. Adults usually reach around 3.5–4 cm, with females becoming fuller-bodied than males when mature.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent fish for peaceful planted community aquariums. Black Neon Tetras are active enough to be visible, but calm enough for well-chosen small community tanks. They suit planted layouts, soft-water displays and mixed tetra aquariums. They are not suitable for aggressive cichlid tanks, large predatory fish or brand-new aquariums with unstable water quality.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal and better swimming space. FishBase recommends keeping this species in groups of five or more and gives a minimum aquarium size of 60 cm.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable
Additional Notes: Captive-bred Black Neon Tetras are generally adaptable, but they still prefer clean, stable water. Subdued lighting, plants and darker décor help bring out their best colour. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Black Neon Tetras are peaceful shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small danios, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small plecs, peaceful dwarf cichlids and gentle gouramis in compatible water.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers and very boisterous tank mates. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 10 or more preferred. A larger group improves confidence, colour and natural shoaling behaviour.

Feeding:

Black Neon Tetras are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets and small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. FishBase records the natural diet as including worms, small crustaceans and plant matter, so a varied diet is ideal.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually swims in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, moving in a loose shoal rather than a tight school. FishBase also notes that it occupies the middle and upper water layers in captivity. In a planted aquarium, the group will often cruise through open areas, then gather more tightly when startled.

Care Notes:

Add only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Keep in a proper group, maintain low nitrate and avoid sudden changes during acclimation. A darker substrate, floating plants and gentle lighting will make the fish feel more secure and improve the contrast of the body stripe. A secure lid is recommended, as small active tetras may jump if startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner

Availability:

Common / Usually captive-bred

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.