Neon Tetra

 Genus name: Paracheirodon Innesi

Also known as: Neon

Distribution:  South America

Length:  up to 1.6" (4cm)

Water Temperature: 70-79F (21-26C)

Diet: Worms, small crustaceans, plant matter, dried food

Water: preferably soft water, but can live in medium-hard water

Lives: In the middle and lower areas of the aquarium

Community Tank

The Neon Tetra is a popular fish among aquarists, and they are often referred to simply as 'neons'.  There is a slight difference between the sexes, the male being slightly slimmer than the female, who has a more rounded body.

Neon Tetras have a dark olive-green back and the abdomen is silvery-white.  They are most recognisable by the two iridescent stripes on their side.  The blue-green stripe starts at the Neon Tetras nose, and finishes at the end of the top fin.  Below it is a red stripe which begins in the middle of the body and goes right down the tail.  Neon Tetras are very similar looking to Cardinal Tetras, and they are often mistaken for each other.

Neon Tetras are small, peaceful fish, so do not keep them in an aquarium with any large aggressive fish which may trouble them.  They are at their happiest with other Tetras, so ensure that there are at least 5 Neon Tetras together.  They will also happily shoal with other tetras, like the Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-Nose Tetra and Glowlight Tetra.

Neon Tetra are great for the novice aquarist, as they are easy to keep, and should live anywhere from five to ten years in an aquarium.  Neon Tetra can be bred in aquariums, and will lay a relatively small number of eggs which hatch within 24 hours.   As with many fish, Neon Tetra will eat their eggs and their young, so it is advisable to remove the adults after spawning.

For more information on Neon Tetras: