The Paracheirodon innesi, universally known as the Neon Tetra, is perhaps the most iconic freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, native to the clear and blackwater streams of the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil.
These dazzling characins are instantly recognisable by their electric blue horizontal stripe that glows under aquarium lighting, contrasted by a vivid red stripe that extends from the mid-body to the tail—distinguishing them from the Cardinal Tetra, whose red stripe runs the full length of the body.
Growing to a modest 3-4 centimetres in length, Neon Tetras are peaceful, active schooling fish that create a mesmerising display of colour and movement, particularly when kept in large groups against a dark substrate or lush green planting.
As highly social creatures, Neon Tetras must be kept in schools of six or more to feel secure and display natural behaviour; solitary specimens often become stressed and lose their vibrant colouration.
They occupy the middle water levels and are ideal residents for peaceful community aquariums alongside other small, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, Corydoras, and other tetras, though they should not be kept with large or predatory fish like Angelfish that may view them as a snack.
Omnivorous and unfussy, they thrive on high-quality flake foods and micro-pellets, supplemented with small live or frozen treats such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
They appreciate a well-planted tank with stable water conditions and gentle flow. With proper care, Neon Tetras typically live 5-8 years, making them enduringly popular, glowin
The Paracheirodon innesi, universally known as the Neon Tetra, is perhaps the most iconic freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, native to the clear and blackwater streams of the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil.
These dazzling characins are instantly recognisable by their electric blue horizontal stripe that glows under aquarium lighting, contrasted by a vivid red stripe that extends from the mid-body to the tail—distinguishing them from the Cardinal Tetra, whose red stripe runs the full length of the body.
Growing to a modest 3-4 centimetres in length, Neon Tetras are peaceful, active schooling fish that create a mesmerising display of colour and movement, particularly when kept in large groups against a dark substrate or lush green planting.
As highly social creatures, Neon Tetras must be kept in schools of six or more to feel secure and display natural behaviour; solitary specimens often become stressed and lose their vibrant colouration.
They occupy the middle water levels and are ideal residents for peaceful community aquariums alongside other small, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, Corydoras, and other tetras, though they should not be kept with large or predatory fish like Angelfish that may view them as a snack.
Omnivorous and unfussy, they thrive on high-quality flake foods and micro-pellets, supplemented with small live or frozen treats such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
They appreciate a well-planted tank with stable water conditions and gentle flow. With proper care, Neon Tetras typically live 5-8 years, making them enduringly popular, glowin
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