Neon tetra is incredibly popular in aquariums worldwide, having been kept for nearly a century. Originally rare and expensive, they were first brought from Amazonian blackwater habitats filled with leaves and wood.

Their bright colors help them stand out in the tea-colored water. In community tanks, they thrive in regular tap water and get along with most fish, though larger species might see them as food.

Males establish small territories, while females tend to stick together in schools.

It's best to keep them in large groups to appreciate their full behavior. Close relatives include Cardinals with more red and Green neons that are smaller and less red.

Variants like albino and long-finned types exist due to extensive captive breeding, with wild imports being rare.

Feeding them involves high-quality flakes and occasional treats like daphnia.

Breeding is tricky but possible in species-only setups with soft, acidic water and spawning mops.

Behavior and Social Structure

Social and schooling fish
Thrive in groups of six or more
Exhibit bright colors and synchronized movement in schools.

Tank Size and Setup

Minimum tank size: 18 gallons
Plants: Java fern, Amazon sword, Anubias
Lighting: Moderate to reduce stress
Filtration: Gentle to maintain clean water without strong currents.

Characteristics

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: 3-10 dGH

Social Peaceful

Tank Level Mid-dweller

Tank Size 20 gallon

Diet Omnivore

Breeding Egg scatterer

Care Intermediate

Neon Tetra Temperature : 70 to 80 F (21 to 26 C)

Fahrenheit: (20 to 27 degrees Celsius)

Neon Tetra Size:1.5 inches (3.9 centimeters)

Neon Tetra Lifespan: 6-8 years.

Origin: Southeastern Colombia, eastern Peru, western Brazil.

Neon Tetra Diet

Worms

Small Insects

Crustaceans

Plant Matter

Zooplankton

Fungi

Protozoa

High-Quality Flake Food

Micro Pellets

Live Foods

Frozen Foods

Freeze-Dried Foods

Vegetable Matter

Eggs of Other Fish: Opportunistically consume fish eggs when available.

Small Mollusks: Such as tiny snails or their larvae.

Fruit Particles: Occasionally consume small bits of fallen fruit.

Neon Tetra Care

Care Tips

Prepare the aquarium fully before introducing new fish
Keep in groups of at least seven, ideally nine to thirteen
Ensure proper tank setup for smooth transition and well-being
Breeding Neon Tetra

Breeding Setup

Species-only setups with soft, acidic water
Use spawning mops
Remove adults after spawning to protect eggs.

Neon Tetra Fish

Other Tetra Species

Neon Tetra

Serpae Tetra

Black Neon Tetra

Cardinal Tetra

Black Phantom Tetra

Bloodfin Tetra

Diamond Tetra

Bleeding Heart Tetra

Glowlight Tetra

Congo Tetra

Rummy Nose Tetra

Ember Tetra

Lemon Tetra

Emperor Tetra

Silvertip Tetra

Green Fire Tetra

Buenos Aires Tetra

X-Ray Tetra

Flame Tetra

Rosy Tetra

Blue Tetra

Neon Tetra Disease

A common disease in Tetra Fish

Velvet Disease

Swim bladder disorders

Cancer

Hole in the Head Disease

Columnaris

Gill Flukes

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Dropsy (fluid-filled coelomic cavity)

Parasites (including lice or leeches)

Bacterial infections

Fin/tail rot

Pop eye

Fungal infections

Anchor Worms

Lymphocystis

Quarantine New Fish.

Neon Tetra Eggs

Parental Care: Neon tetras exhibit no parental care; adults often consume their eggs if not separated.

Post-Spawning: Immediately remove adults from the breeding tank to increase egg survival rates.

Incubation Period: Eggs typically hatch within 24-36 hours in warm, stable conditions.

Fry Development: Hatchlings are nearly invisible at first, clinging to surfaces as they absorb their yolk sacs.

Feeding Fry: Start feeding the fry infusoria or specially prepared liquid foods for the first few days.

Water Quality: Maintain pristine water conditions with gentle, frequent water changes to support delicate fry.

Light Sensitivity: Keep the breeding tank dimly lit, as both eggs and fry are highly sensitive to light.

Neon Tetra Price

Price $1 to $2.77 per fish

Source: Prices can differ between local pet stores and online retailers. Local stores might offer competitive pricing based on their supplier networks, while online retailers may provide convenience and a wider selection.

Quality and Health: Well-established and reputable breeders or stores that prioritize fish health and breeding conditions may charge more for neon tetras guaranteed to be disease-free and acclimated to aquarium environments.

Quantity: Bulk purchases or special promotions can sometimes lower the per-fish price, especially when buying groups of neon tetras for larger aquarium setups.

Color Variation: Occasionally, there are variations like long-fin or albino neon tetras, which might be priced higher due to their rarity or unique appearance.

Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetras are gentle and peaceful fish. They don't show aggression, even among males.

They like being in groups and swimming together in the tank during the day, creating a nice dark color effect.

While they prefer to stay in groups, they can also be on their own sometimes to hide and relax.

They are great for community tanks with other calm fish. Their peaceful behavior and how they move together make them look beautiful in an aquarium.

Green Neon Tetra

The Green Neon Tetra, a stunning and tranquil species, thrives in groups of 6 or more within a softwater tank.

Compatible companions are small, similarly calm fish. These tetras favor both rooted and floating plants to diffuse light. Predominantly wild-caught from blackwater habitats with rainforest canopy, they require dappled light and peat filtration.

Also known as False Neon Tetras, their diet includes flake, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and cyclops.

Breeding is tough; females can lay up to 135 eggs in very soft, acidic water with Java moss.

Remove adults after spawning to protect eggs, which are light-sensitive and hatch within 24 hours. Once free-swimming, feed fry with infusoria.

Conclusion

Neon Tetra is a fantastic choice for People.They need a special setup with soft, acidic water to encourage them to spawn.

Using spawning mops helps protect the eggs, which hatch in about one to two days.

The fry (baby fish) are very delicate and need clean water and special tiny foods to grow.
Neon Tetras eat a mix of foods. High-quality flake food and micro pellets are good daily choices.

Breeding Neon Tetras can be challenging but fun. They need soft, acidic water to spawn.

Spawning mops can help protect their eggs, which usually hatch in about 24 to 36 hours. The baby fish, called fry, need clean water and special small foods to grow strong.

FAQS

1. Do neon tetras need specific types of substrate?

A: Neon tetras do not have specific substrate requirements. However, a dark substrate can enhance their colors and mimic their natural habitat. Fine gravel or sand is suitable.

2. What is the good way to transport neon tetra from the store to home?

A: Use a dark, insulated container or the store's provided bag.

3.How do I introduce new neon tetra to an established tank?

A: Introduce them gradually to avoid shocking the established fish.

4. How do neon tetras react to frequent tank rearrangements?

A: Frequent tank rearrangements can stress neon tetras. They prefer a stable environment with consistent decoration placement.

Neon Tetra