The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, admired for its dazzling neon blue stripe and vibrant red coloration. Small, peaceful, and schooling in nature, they are ideal for community aquariums.
Out of Stock
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, admired for its dazzling neon blue stripe and vibrant red coloration. Small, peaceful, and schooling in nature, they are ideal for community aquariums.
Slender body with a vivid, iridescent neon blue stripe running horizontally from the nose to the adipose fin, and a bright red stripe extending from mid-body to tail. They grow up to 1.5 inches (4 cm).
5–8 years in captivity with proper care
Omnivorous — enjoys micro-pellets, flakes, frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. A varied diet helps maintain health and color vibrancy.
The Neon Tetra is a perfect community fish that adds beauty and activity to aquariums. Their bright colors and peaceful schooling nature make them one of the most beloved fish for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Easy to Moderate — hardy when kept in stable water conditions, but sensitive to sudden changes.
10 gallons (best kept in schools of 6 or more)
6.0 to 7.5
1–10 dGH
70–81°F (21–27°C)
1.5 inches (4 cm)
Other small peaceful fish such as rasboras, small tetras, guppies, mollies, corydoras, small plecos, shrimp, and snails.
Large or aggressive fish such as cichlids, angelfish (may eat them), bettas, and predatory species. Avoid fin-nippers.
Paracheirodon innesi
Characidae
Amazon Basin — Brazil, Peru, Colombia
Schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6 or more. Peaceful and active, best in planted community tanks.
Feed 2–3 times daily with micro-pellets, high-quality flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods for variety and better coloration.
Egg scatterer. Neon Tetras breed in dimly lit aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water. They scatter eggs over plants or substrate, and adults should be removed afterward as they may eat the eggs.
Breeding requires very soft, acidic water (pH 5.0–6.5, low hardness) and dim lighting. Eggs hatch in 24 hours and fry become free-swimming in about 4 days. Fry require infusoria or liquid fry food before moving on to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 70–81°F (21–27°C), Hardness: 1–10 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to Neon Tetra Disease (a parasitic infection causing loss of color and muscle deterioration), ich, and stress-related illnesses due to poor water quality or improper acclimation.
Peaceful, social, active schooling fish
Peaceful, social, and active schooling fish. They feel secure in groups and display their best colors and activity in schools of 6–10 or more.
Native to blackwater and clearwater streams in the Amazon basin, Neon Tetras are one of the most iconic freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Their shimmering neon blue horizontal stripe and vibrant red lower body make them easily recognizable. They thrive in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural schooling behavior. Neon Tetras prefer a planted aquarium with subdued lighting and dark substrate, mimicking their natural Amazon habitat. They are hardy but sensitive to poor water quality, making stable water parameters essential. They are also widely bred in captivity, ensuring availability in the aquarium trade.