Black Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae

📍 Paraguay Basin, South America

The black neon tetra has a distinctive two-tone horizontal stripe — iridescent white-green above a solid black band. Subtler than its neon cousin but equally elegant, it thrives in large schools in soft, acidic planted tanks and is very peaceful.

Size1.5"

Min Tank10g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Black neon tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets and fine flake foods as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to enhance coloration and overall health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Black neon tetras are peaceful, active schooling fish that display their best colors and behavior when kept in groups of 8 or more. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, darting and weaving through plants and décor. They are non-aggressive toward other peaceful species and show minimal fin-nipping behavior, making them excellent community tank inhabitants.

Breeding

Breeding black neon tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5), dense vegetation or spawning mops, and slightly elevated temperatures around 26–27°C to trigger spawning. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameter requirements; non-competitive for food

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful and compatible, though slightly larger; ensure adequate space and plant cover

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp are generally safe with tetras; provide dense plants for shrimp security

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Similar size, temperament, and water requirements; excellent schooling companion

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by active tetras

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy, rubbing against décor

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10–14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24–26°C

Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora hyphessobryconis)

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior

Treatment

No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, consider euthanasia if severely affected; prevention through quarantine is essential

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, loss of appetite, behavioral changes

Treatment

Perform 50% water change, maintain optimal water parameters, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate severely affected fish; improve tank hygiene and reduce stress