Product Details

Neon Tetra – Paracheirodon innesi

Overview:

The Neon Tetra is one of the best-known freshwater aquarium fish, instantly recognisable by its electric blue stripe, bright red rear body and peaceful shoaling behaviour. Paracheirodon innesi is a classic choice for mature planted aquariums, especially where a group can move together through shaded open water. Although small and widely available, Neon Tetras still need stable conditions, a proper shoal and calm tank mates to thrive.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Neon Tetra
Other Names: Neon Fish, Blue Neon Tetra, Common Neon Tetra, Piaba
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
Fish Type: Tetra
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Neon Tetras are native to South America, where they occur in blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the Solimões/Amazon system. FishBase describes the species from blackwater or clearwater stream tributaries, with soft acidic conditions in nature.

Their natural habitats are usually shaded, slow-moving and plant- or root-filled, often with leaf litter and subdued light. In the aquarium, they show best in planted setups with darker décor, gentle flow and open swimming areas.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Neon Tetras have a slim, streamlined body with a vivid blue lateral stripe and a red stripe along the rear half of the body. This red stripe pattern helps separate them from Cardinal Tetras, which show red along almost the full body length. Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum of around 2.5 cm standard length, not including the full tail. Females are often slightly fuller-bodied than males when mature.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent shoaling fish for peaceful mature community aquariums, planted tanks and soft-water displays. Neon Tetras work well in aquariums with fine plants, floating plants, bogwood, leaf litter and shaded areas. They are not suitable for aggressive communities, large predatory fish or brand-new aquariums with unstable water quality.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a small group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal and better stability. A tank length of at least 60 cm is recommended, as FishBase also lists a minimum aquarium size of 60 cm and group keeping for the species.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 5.5–7.2
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; soft water preferred
Additional Notes: Captive-bred Neon Tetras are adaptable, but they dislike sudden changes and poor water quality. FishBase gives a natural pH range of 5.0–7.0, very soft water and an aquarium temperature range around 20–26°C. Avoid very warm long-term conditions, as Neons generally prefer cooler water than Cardinal Tetras or German Rams.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Neon Tetras are peaceful and should be kept with other small, calm fish. Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful tetras, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small plecs, dwarf gouramis and peaceful dwarf cichlids in compatible water.

Avoid angelfish large enough to eat them, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, large gouramis and boisterous fish that may intimidate them. Keep in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred for best colour, confidence and natural shoaling.

Feeding:

Neon Tetras are omnivores and micro-predators. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets and small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. FishBase notes that adults feed on worms, small insects, crustaceans and plant matter, so a varied diet is ideal.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species occupies the middle levels of the aquarium and usually moves in a loose shoal. In a settled tank, the group will spread out calmly among plants, then tighten together when startled. Their colour is strongest in low-stress aquariums with subdued lighting, darker backgrounds and good water quality.

Care Notes:

Add Neon Tetras only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. They can be sensitive during acclimation, especially if moved into hard, alkaline or unstable water. Keep nitrate low, avoid sudden temperature changes and do not keep them in very small numbers. A secure lid is recommended, as small tetras can jump when startled. Most aquarium Neon Tetras are captive-bred, but they still benefit from soft, clean, stable water.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

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.