Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Neon Tetra is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 10.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 10Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with 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: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 70–77°F (21–25°C)
pH: 4–7.5
GH: 1–12 dGH
KH: 0–6 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 10

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: 5–8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–25 °C, pH 4–7.5, GH 1–12 dGH, KH 0–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Neon Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Plant safe: Yes
Shrimp safe: Yes
Snail safe: Yes
Community safe: Yes
Beginner friendly: Yes
Aquascape fit: Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

Offer small fine dry foods, plus appropriately sized frozen/live invertebrates such as Daphnia and mosquito larvae.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 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 10.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Northern Amazon basin.

Natural habitat: Shaded forest streams and tributaries with soft water, submerged wood, leaf litter and areas of gentle current.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

Adults reach around 3–4 cm. Long-term success depends more on stable water and group size than on chasing an extremely low pH.

Important notes

Do not keep in very small groups.
Avoid newly cycled or unstable aquariums.
Large or aggressive tank mates may treat the fish as prey.

Similar fish profiles

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

Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bloodfin Tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 64–82°F (18–28°C) Blue Purple Emperor Tetra Inpaichthys kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Neon Tetra get?

Neon Tetra reaches 1.2" (3 cm).

What aquarium size does Neon Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Neon Tetra peaceful?

Yes. 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 Neon Tetra?

Keep it between 21 to 25 °C.

Is Neon Tetra beginner friendly?

Neon Tetra can be a beginner-friendly choice when the aquarium is mature, stable, and matched to its adult size.