Neon Tetra

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: 5–8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

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

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 5–7, GH 1–10 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

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

Offer fine micro-granules, crushed flakes and small live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Cyclops and Daphnia.

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.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
• Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
• Offer a varied diet that matches this species.