The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the world’s most recognisable tropical fish and has been a favourite of aquarists for generations. Its brilliant electric blue stripe and vibrant red lower body create an eye-catching display, particularly when kept in large shoals.
Aquarium Setup
Neon Tetras naturally inhabit slow-moving blackwater streams beneath the rainforest canopy, where fallen leaves, submerged roots and overhanging vegetation create subdued lighting.
A planted aquarium with bogwood, darker areas and open swimming space closely recreates this environment. While they appreciate cover, leaving a clear area at the front of the aquarium allows the shoal to display its natural schooling behaviour.
Unlike many people believe, perfectly soft blackwater isn’t essential for tank-bred Neon Tetras. Stable water quality and regular maintenance are far more important than chasing exact water parameters.
They are a great companion for almost all species that aren’t large enough to eat them as they are able to adapt to a very wide range of conditions, thanks to being bred commercially for decades. Wild neons are often found in slow moving blackwater habitats laden with leaf litter, but the long history of commercial breeding means that we can keep them in tap water without having to worry too much about water values as long as they’re not in the extremes.
Neons should be kept in a shoal of at least 6 specimens, but larger shoals will make the biggest visual impact and tend to be the most popular gap filler in extra large community tanks. They work particularly well with larger feature fish of monochrome colour.
Neon Tetra Behaviour
Neon Tetras are peaceful shoaling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six, although groups of ten or more create a far more impressive display.
When kept in larger numbers, Neon Tetra become noticeably more confident, swimming together through the aquarium rather than hiding amongst plants. Watching a large shoal change direction simultaneously is one of the reasons they remain one of the hobby’s most popular community fish.
Tank Mates
Paracheirodon innesi’s peaceful nature allows them to live happily alongside many similarly sized tropical species. Ideal tank mates include corydoras, dwarf cichlids, angelfish, other tetras, ancistrus catfish, rainbowfish and many others.
Neon Tetra Feeding
Food can be offered in the form of micro pellets, flakes and fresh or frozen fish foods such as daphnia.
If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. Special deals available on bundles of 100+ fish. Drop us a line and we’ll see what we can do!
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