Black Neon Tetra - Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi 1-2cm

The Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, commonly known as the Black Neon Tetra, is a striking and elegant freshwater fish native to the Paraguay River basin in southern Brazil.

These beautiful tetras are instantly recognisable by their distinctive colouration, featuring a bold black lateral stripe running from the gill cover to the tail, topped by an iridescent neon-green or silver-white line that glows brilliantly under aquarium lighting.

Growing to a modest 3.5-4 centimetres in length, Black Neons are slightly larger and more robust than their famous cousins the Neon and Cardinal Tetras, making them excellent, hardy choices for community aquariums.

Their peaceful nature and active schooling behaviour add movement and contrast to any well-planted tank, particularly against dark substrates where their colours truly pop.

As with all tetras, Black Neons are highly social, shoaling fish that must be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to feel secure and display natural behaviour—solitary specimens become stressed, pale, and reclusive.

In proper schools, they are lively and confident, occupying the upper to middle water levels where their shimmering stripes catch the light.

These peaceful fish are excellent community inhabitants, compatible with a wide range of similarly sized, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, and other tetras.

Omnivorous by nature, they are unfussy eaters that readily accept quality flake foods and micro-pellets, though their colouration and health are best maintained with regular offerings of small live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

They appreciate a well-planted aquarium with dimmed lighting or floating plants to replicate their natural habitat, along with open swimming space.

With proper care including regular water changes and stable water parameters, Black Neon Tetras typically live 3-5 years, making them delightful, contrasting additions to peaceful community setups.