About Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, prized for their brilliant iridescent stripes that shimmer neon blue and red under aquarium lighting. Native to the Amazon basin, these peaceful schooling fish are perfect for community tanks and beginners. They are relatively hardy and affordable, making them an excellent choice for new aquarists.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Neon Tetras are schooling fish that need to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A 10-gallon tank is the absolute minimum, but 20 gallons is recommended to accommodate their active swimming behavior.

Essential Setup:

  • Heater to maintain 72-78°F
  • Gentle filter (they prefer calm water)
  • Dark substrate to enhance their colors
  • Moderate lighting (brings out their neon glow)
  • Plenty of plants (Java Moss, Cryptocoryne, Amazon Swords)

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
  • Water Hardness: Soft (2-10 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Neons prefer soft, slightly acidic water similar to their Amazonian habitat. Regular 25% weekly water changes are recommended.

Feeding

Neon Tetras are omnivores with small mouths:

  • High-quality micro flakes or pellets
  • Frozen foods: daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp
  • Live foods: micro worms, baby brine shrimp

Feeding Schedule: Small amounts 2-3 times daily. Only feed what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior & Compatibility

Neons are peaceful community fish that do well with:

  • Other small tetras (Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-nose Tetra)
  • Rasboras (Harlequin, Espei’s)
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Small Gouramis (Dwarf, Honey)
  • Peaceful livebearers (Guppies, Platies)

Avoid Housing With:

  • Large or aggressive fish (Angelfish, Oscars, larger Cichlids)
  • Fin-nippers (some Barbs)
  • Betta Fish (may view them as food due to bright colors)

Schooling Behavior

Neon Tetras absolutely must be kept in schools of 6 minimum, preferably 10-15 or more. When kept in proper schools, they:

  • Display more vibrant colors
  • Exhibit natural schooling behavior
  • Feel safer and show less stress
  • Are more active and interesting to watch

Common Health Issues

  1. Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora hyphessobryconis): Incurable parasite; quarantine affected fish
  2. Ich: White spots; treat with raised temperature and medication
  3. Fin Rot: Usually from poor water quality; improve water conditions
  4. Stress: Causes color fading; check water parameters and tank mates

Lighting & Appearance

The neon stripe is actually iridescent and requires proper lighting to display:

  • Use moderate lighting (not too bright)
  • Dark background and substrate enhance colors
  • The stripe appears to glow under blue/white LED lighting
  • Colors fade when stressed or in poor water conditions

Breeding

Breeding Neons is challenging but possible:

  • Use a separate breeding tank (5-10 gallons)
  • Water: Very soft (1-2 dGH), pH 5.0-6.0
  • Temperature: 75-76°F
  • Dim lighting with plenty of Java Moss
  • Remove adults after spawning (they eat eggs)
  • Eggs hatch in 24 hours; feed infusoria first

Tips for Success

  • Always buy at least 6 (preferably 10+)
  • Float the bag for 30+ minutes to acclimate slowly
  • Test water parameters regularly
  • Keep nitrates low with regular water changes
  • Add tannins (Indian Almond Leaves) for natural feel
  • Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Guppy 🐠 Corydoras Catfish 🐠 Harlequin Rasbora 🐠 Cardinal Tetra 🐠 Dwarf Gourami