Neon tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Family : Characidae

FishFreshwatercharacids

The neon tetra is a small freshwater fish very popular in aquariums, recognizable by its luminous blue and red stripe.

Neon tetra — photo 1 sur 3
úlfhams_víkingur · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.01 / 3
Popularity
Community fish
classic in freshwater aquarium
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Amazon+1
Bassin amazonien : eaux douces chaudes, acides, noires ou claires.

Description

The neon tetra reaches about 3–4 cm. Its body is silvery with an electric blue horizontal stripe from the eye to the adipose fin, and a bright red stripe from the abdomen to the tail. It is a schooling fish that lives in groups. Peaceful and active, it is ideal for community tanks. Males are slightly slimmer than females. During breeding, colors intensify.

Habitat

Region :

The neon tetra inhabits clear, acidic waters of Amazonian forest streams, often in shaded areas under the canopy. The substrate is typically sandy or covered with leaf litter, with dense aquatic vegetation. The water is very soft and low in minerals.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH5.56.5
GH15 °dGH
KH13 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 10 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
60 L
Min. group
10
Adult size
4 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
Ovipare, ponte en eau acide et très douce. Les œufs sont dispersés parmi les plantes. Les parents ne gardent pas les œufs.

Care notes

Ideal temperature 24–28°C, pH 5.5–6.5, very low hardness. A tank of at least 60 liters is recommended for a school of 10. Water should be well filtered but with gentle flow. Décor with floating plants and driftwood mimics its biotope. Sensitive to high nitrates. Diet: micro-pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia. Compatible with all small peaceful fish. Avoid large or aggressive species.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References