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
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Water Parameters
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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
Top Tank Mates
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Garra flavatra
🟢Ideal Tank MatesJulii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
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Corydoras paleatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
🟢Ideal Tank MatesGhost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Clea helena
🟢Ideal Tank MatesNeon Tetra Care Guide 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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Neon Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. 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.
Neon Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Neon Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Neon Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the 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 zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Neon Tetra.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Neon Tetra
How big does Neon Tetra get?
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) 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 Neon Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Neon Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Neon Tetra need?
Neon Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Neon Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
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 Neon Tetra should be kept together?
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 Neon Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Neon Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered, leaf litter/blackwater, and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.