A peaceful, active schooling fish native to the Paraguay basin. Known for its striking contrast of a dark black lateral stripe underneath a glowing iridescent white/green-gold stripe. Excellent for community aquariums, particularly in planted setups or blackwater biotope tanks with subdued lighting.
Black Neon Tetra At a Glance
Black Neon Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Black Neon Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Black Neon Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Black Neon Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Black Neon Tetra Water Parameters
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Black Neon Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Black Neon Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type coloration featuring the iconic black and iridescent greenish-white stripes. Highly peaceful and must be kept in schools to reduce stress and display natural behavior.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Albino
A captive-bred leucistic/albino variant where the black pigment is missing, leaving a golden-pink body with a visible iridescent stripe. Identical care requirements to the standard form.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Gold Black Neon, Albino Black Neon
Black Neon Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Black Neon Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Black Neon Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 54 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Black Neon Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Albino. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Black Neon Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Black Neon Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Black Neon Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Black Neon Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Black Neon Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Black Neon Tetra.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 21 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Neon Tetra
How big does Black Neon Tetra get?
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Black Neon Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 54 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Black Neon Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Black Neon Tetra need?
Black Neon Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Black Neon Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Black Neon Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Black Neon Tetra should be kept together?
Black Neon Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Black Neon Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Black Neon Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Black Neon Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Black Neon Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Bandit Cory
Corydoras metae
Ideal Tank MatesAsher Cory
Corydoras tukano
Ideal Tank MatesPanda Garra
Garra flavatra
Ideal Tank MatesJulii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesGhost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Black Neon Tetra
These plants pair well with Black Neon Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Black Neon Tetra
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
A peaceful, schooling nano fish native to the Essequibo River basin in South America. They are famous for their translucent bodies and the striking iridescent neon-orange stripe running from snout to tail. They thrive in mature, planted aquariums with slightly soft, acidic water and subdued lighting.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.