Black Neon tetra

Common name(s) Black Neon tetra, Calypso tetra Picture of Black Neon Tetra
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Synonyms Megalamphodus axelrodi (not valid)

Size 1.5-2" (4-5cm)

Origin Mato Grosso area of Brazil.

Tank setup Planted tank, with open shoaling space.

Compatibility A peaceful fish for a community tank with other similarly peaceful fish.

Temperature 23-27^oC (73-81^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical, but soft and slightly acidic preferred.

Feeding Omnivorous: Flake, granules/micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods.

Sexing Males slimmer, females have a deeper body.

Breeding An egg-scatterer which spawns fairly readily, in open water. Eggs take just over a day to hatch.

Comments A hardy fish for the peaceful planted community aquarium. Adapts to a range of conditions, but soft, slightly tannin-stained water will bring out the best colours.
Despite the common name, this is not a colour form or variant of the common Neon tetra, but a completely separate species.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Black Neon tetra, Calypso tetra	Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Synonyms	Megalamphodus axelrodi (not valid)
Size	1.5-2" (4-5cm)
Origin	Mato Grosso area of Brazil.
Tank setup	Planted tank, with open shoaling space.
Compatibility	A peaceful fish for a community tank with other similarly peaceful fish.
Temperature	23-27^oC (73-81^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical, but soft and slightly acidic preferred.
Feeding	Omnivorous: Flake, granules/micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods.
Sexing	Males slimmer, females have a deeper body.
Breeding	An egg-scatterer which spawns fairly readily, in open water. Eggs take just over a day to hatch.
Comments	A hardy fish for the peaceful planted community aquarium. Adapts to a range of conditions, but soft, slightly tannin-stained water will bring out the best colours. Despite the common name, this is not a colour form or variant of the common Neon tetra, but a completely separate species.