Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Characiformes
Family:Characidae
Genus:Paracheirodon
Species:innesi
IUCN Status:Not Evaluated
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Easy
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
21°C - 27°C
pH Level
6 - 7.5
Water Hardness
36 - 215 ppm
Lifespan
5 years
Origin
South America
Adult Size
2.5 - 4 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
Water Flow
Low Flow
About This Species
The Neon Tetra is a dazzlingly colorful fish that has been a favorite in home aquariums for decades, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its most famous feature is a bright, iridescent blue stripe that runs from its eye to its tail, which seems to glow under aquarium lighting. Below this is a bold splash of red that starts mid-body and extends to the tail. These small fish are peaceful and active, constantly swimming in the upper and middle levels of the tank. They are schooling fish, which means they feel safest and happiest in a group. You should always keep them in groups of at least six, though a larger school is even more impressive to watch. Because of their peaceful nature and small size, they get along well with other small, non-aggressive fish like guppies, corydoras catfish, and other types of tetras. A varied diet of high-quality flake food, supplemented with occasional treats like frozen or live foods, will keep them healthy and their colors bright. While they are very hardy, they are notoriously difficult to breed in a home aquarium, as they require very specific water conditions that are hard to replicate, so you shouldn't expect to see baby neons appearing in your community tank.
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
40L
Swimming Zone
top, middle
Minimum School Size
6+
Special Requirements
Oxygen Consumption
Low
Waste Production
Low
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Metabolism Rate
Low
Activity Level
Active
Food Types
Flakes, Pellets, Frozen Food, Live Food, Freeze Dried
Generate Printable Card
Create a printable card for this creature to display in your store or aquarium. The card includes a QR code for quick access to more information.