Neon tetra

Common name(s) Neon tetra, Neon Picture of Neon Tetras

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Paracheirodon innesi

Synonyms Hyphessobrycon innesi (not valid)

Size 1.5" (4cm)

Origin Peru

Tank setup Planted tank, with peaceful tankmates

Compatibility Peaceful, community - may be eaten by larger tankmates.

Temperature 22-26^oC (72-79^oF)

Water chemistry Around neutral, soft to medium hard.

Feeding Omnivorous: small frozen/live foods and dry foods such as flake, micro-pellets and granular foods.

Sexing Males slimmer, females have a deeper body.

Breeding Very soft and acidic water is recommended, though there are reports of this species, being bred in harder water. Use Java moss or other fine-leaved plants (or a synthetic equivalent) as a spawning substrate. Parents should be removed after spawning. Eggs hatch in around 24 hours. Feed the tiny fry on infusoria initially, followed by brine shrimp nauplii.

Comments One of the most instantly recognisable fish in the hobby, they are commonly referred to as simply "Neons". Best appreciated in a tank with a dark background or substrate. They do not always shoal together as readily as some other species of tetras, but like other tetra species they should be kept in a shoal of at least 5-6 fish.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Neon tetra, Neon	Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Paracheirodon innesi
Synonyms	Hyphessobrycon innesi (not valid)
Size	1.5" (4cm)
Origin	Peru
Tank setup	Planted tank, with peaceful tankmates
Compatibility	Peaceful, community - may be eaten by larger tankmates.
Temperature	22-26^oC (72-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Around neutral, soft to medium hard.
Feeding	Omnivorous: small frozen/live foods and dry foods such as flake, micro-pellets and granular foods.
Sexing	Males slimmer, females have a deeper body.
Breeding	Very soft and acidic water is recommended, though there are reports of this species, being bred in harder water. Use Java moss or other fine-leaved plants (or a synthetic equivalent) as a spawning substrate. Parents should be removed after spawning. Eggs hatch in around 24 hours. Feed the tiny fry on infusoria initially, followed by brine shrimp nauplii.
Comments	One of the most instantly recognisable fish in the hobby, they are commonly referred to as simply "Neons". Best appreciated in a tank with a dark background or substrate. They do not always shoal together as readily as some other species of tetras, but like other tetra species they should be kept in a shoal of at least 5-6 fish.