Neon Tetra - Paracheirodon innesi

Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

The Neon Tetra is one of the most recognisable freshwater aquarium fish in the world, loved for its vivid electric-blue stripe, bright red rear body and peaceful shoaling behaviour. This classic South American tetra is ideal for mature planted community aquariums, where a good-sized group will create constant movement and colour through the mid-water area. Although commonly sold as a beginner fish, Neon Tetras do best in stable, well-maintained aquariums with calm tank mates and clean water.

Common Name:
Neon Tetra. Also commonly referred to as the Common Neon Tetra, Blue Neon Tetra or Neon Fish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Paracheirodon innesi

Maximum Size:
Around 3–4 cm in captivity, making it a small shoaling tetra.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to the western and northern Amazon basin of South America, including areas of Colombia, Peru and Brazil. In the wild, Neon Tetras are found in clearwater and blackwater streams, usually in shaded forest habitats with soft, acidic water, leaf litter, submerged branches and dense marginal vegetation.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 21–26°C
pH Range: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with soft, slightly acidic water preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful and social. Neon Tetras are best kept with other small, calm community fish and should not be housed with large, boisterous or predatory species that may stress or eat them.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. In nature, they feed on small insects, worms, crustaceans and some plant matter. In the aquarium they should be offered quality fine flake, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp 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 a peaceful mid-water shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least 8, ideally 10 or more. In larger groups, Neon Tetras become more confident, colourful and natural in behaviour. They look especially effective in planted aquariums with darker substrate, subdued lighting, floating plants and open swimming space. A secure lid is recommended, as small active fish may jump when startled.

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

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature aquarium with stable water quality, gentle filtration and regular maintenance. Neon Tetras can be sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry and should not be added to brand-new or unstable setups. They are often confused with Cardinal Tetras, but Neon Tetras have a red stripe that usually covers only the rear half of the body, while Cardinal Tetras have red running almost the full length of the lower body.

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.