Black Neon Tetra - Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

The Black Neon Tetra is a peaceful and elegant South American shoaling fish, loved for its bold black body stripe, bright silvery-white upper stripe and subtle red-yellow detail above the eye. Despite the name, it is not a true Neon Tetra from the genus Paracheirodon, but a hardy Hyphessobrycon species that makes an excellent choice for mature planted community aquariums. In the right setup, a group of Black Neon Tetras adds constant movement, contrast and a clean, classic look to the mid-to-upper levels of the aquarium.

Common Name:
Black Neon Tetra. Also commonly referred to as the Black Neon, Black Neon Fish or Black Tetra, although “Black Tetra” can also refer to other species.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Maximum Size:
Around 4 cm in captivity, making it a small and manageable shoaling tetra.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to South America, especially the upper Rio Paraguay basin in Brazil, including Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. In the wild it is found in forest streams, tributaries, floodplain waters and slow-moving areas with aquatic plants, submerged wood, shaded margins and clean, stable water.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful and social. It is best kept with other calm community fish and should not be housed with large, aggressive or predatory species that may stress or eat it.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. In nature, it feeds on small worms, crustaceans and plant matter. In the aquarium it should be offered quality fine flake, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, bloodworm and occasional small live foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 60 litres for a proper group, with a longer aquarium preferred for a larger shoal and more natural swimming behaviour.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active mid-to-upper level shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least 8, ideally 10 or more. In good numbers, Black Neon Tetras become more confident, display better colour and behave more naturally. They look especially effective in planted aquariums with darker substrate, driftwood, floating plants, subdued lighting and open swimming space.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is well suited to peaceful community aquariums with small tank mates such as rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf Corydoras, Otocinclus, peaceful small gouramis, dwarf cichlids and other calm tetras. Avoid large angelfish, predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin nippers and any fish large enough to swallow them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature aquarium with stable water quality, gentle to moderate filtration and regular maintenance. Black Neon Tetras are generally hardier and more adaptable than many delicate tetras, but they still do best when water conditions remain stable. A secure lid is recommended, as small active fish can jump when startled. They are sometimes confused with Neon Tetras, but Black Neon Tetras have a black and silvery-white horizontal stripe rather than the blue and red colour pattern of Paracheirodon innesi.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.