Chocolate Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon vilmae

Chocolate Neon Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Beginner

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Need help with Chocolate Neon Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH: 5–7
GH: 1–12 dGH
KH: 2–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 5–7, GH 1–12 dGH, KH 2–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Chocolate Neon Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Chocolate Neon Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Fine dried foods plus small live/frozen invertebrates and plant-containing food.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Chocolate Neon Tetra get?

Chocolate Neon Tetra reaches ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm).

What aquarium size does Chocolate Neon Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Chocolate Neon Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Chocolate Neon Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Chocolate Neon Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

Should Chocolate Neon Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Chocolate Neon Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 8.