Common Names: Neon Tetra, Neon, Tetra
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
Maximum Size: 1 1/2 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 68 – 74 °F
pH Range: 5.0 – 7.0
Water hardness: Soft – Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: South America

Aquarium Setup:
Neon Tetras will thrive in a densely planted tank with lots of places to hide. The tank bottom should have a dark substrate and lighting should be subdued. Floating plants are often used to help shade aquariums.

Diet:
Neon Tetras are omnivores and will do well on worms, small insects and crustaceans. However, they will eat most types of foods such as flakes, freeze-dried and frozen. A tropical flake diet can be supplemented with brine shrimp, bloodworms or daphnia.

Tank Mates/Community:
Neons get along well with Dwarf Gouramis, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Plecos, Danios, Discus, Swordtails.

Behavior:
Neons are shoaling fish and there should always be at least five kept together, but the more you have the happier they will be. They are very active, energetic little swimmers that will dart back and forth almost constantly and require room to move.

Color:
Neon Tetras have blue lines running across each side of their bodies with the upper part being a dark olive green. From about the center of their body to the caudal fin is red and their bellies are silver.

Breeding:
These fish are egg scatterers and require clean, soft water for breeding. Adequate spawning conditions would be a small tank that is kept in a dark area. The tank bottom should be covered with approximately 2 inches of rocks and live plants.

Pairs should be kept together for 24 hours and then removed. Spawning usually takes place early in the morning and the clear eggs will be laid inside the plants. Eggs will hatch within 22 – 26 hours and the fry should be large enough to be visible in 3 or 4 days.

Interesting Notes:
When Neons are at rest their vibrant colors are turned off! A good way to tell if your Neons are stressed or sick is to note if the colors stay dim or if they return to their normal colors after the lights have been on for awhile! If the colors remain drab, the fish is either stressed or sick!

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Neon Tetra – Large () Neon Tetra The Neon Tetra is a shimmering blue with a blazing red tail. Although not recommended for new tanks, these fish are splendid additions to any community tank. As a schooling fish it does best when housed in groups of five or more of the same species in a tank with several hiding spots. Often confused with the Cardinal Tetra, the Neon Tetra has a red stripe that ends halfway from the nose of the fish, where the Cardinal has a longer red stripe. Slow acclimation is highly recommended for these fish as they are sensitive to changes in their water quality.

Black Neon Tetra – Extra Large () Black Neon Tetra Similar to the Neon Tetra in name, but a completely different species. As a schooling fish it does best when housed in groups of five or more of the same species in a tank. As this fish is a mid to top level swimmer, it will not eat food off of the bottom of the tank. The Black Neon Tetra is also similar to the Neon Tetra as it does best in established tanks. Black Neon Tetra – Living EnvironmentThese fish will remain in the open in a stunning display as long as there is a large amount of swimming space as well as a variety of hiding places. This species will look best in a tank with dark substrate and less intense lighting.