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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The classic wild-type coloration with a bright blue back line and a red stripe running from the middle of the body to the tail.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Regular, Wild Type, Blue, Red
Long Finned
A selectively bred variety with elongated, flowing fins. Requires gentler water flow to prevent exhaustion and is more susceptible to fin-nipping tank mates.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Veiltail, Longfin
Albino / Gold
Color morphs that lack dark pigmentation, giving them a golden, white, or pale pinkish body while retaining the reflective stripe.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino, Gold, Diamond Head, Lutino
Neon Tetra Care Summary
The Neon Tetra, scientifically known as Paracheirodon innesi, 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 zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Neon Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include plants - densely covered, leaf litter/blackwater, and plants - floating.
As a schooling species, Neon Tetra should be kept in groups of at least 6. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard, Long Finned, and Albino / Gold. 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.
Similar Species
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.
Neon Blue Goby
Stiphodon atropurpureus
A stunning, specialized freshwater goby native to fast-flowing hill streams in Asia. Males display brilliant neon blue metallic coloration, while females are striped. They are specialized biofilm grazers ('Aufwuchs' eaters) and require mature tanks with established algae/biofilm stones. They are obligate stream dwellers requiring high oxygen and strong flow.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
The Ember Tetra is a striking, fiery orange-red nano fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. Extremely peaceful and active, they are perfect for planted and blackwater aquariums. They are tight schoolers and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Renowned as the tightest schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. They feature a bright red nose, a silver body, and a black-and-white checkered tail. They are excellent 'indicator fish'; their red noses will fade to pale pink if water quality drops or the fish are stressed. While there are three very similar species (H. rhodostomus, H. bleheri, P. georgiae) often sold under the same name, their care requirements are identical.
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia lacustris
A stunning, deep-bodied rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. Famous for their ability to shift colors from deep teal to bright iridescent blue depending on mood and water quality. They are active schooling fish that thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.