Neon Tetra care guide
Paracheirodon innesi · Characidae
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is an aquarium animal. It belongs to the Characidae family. It is native to Amazon basin in Colombia, Brazil and Peru: acidic forest streams, often stained brown by humic matter, with fallen branches, roots and leaf litter on the bottom. The true extent of its range is still unclear.. Water temperature: 21°C – 25°C. pH: 4.0 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Easy if you start with healthy stock.
How do you care for Neon Tetra?
| Temperature | 21°C – 25°C |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 – 7.5 |
| Placement | A mid-water shoaling fish; a tank of at least about 60 × 30 cm (~54 litres), soft water (1–12 dGH), a sandy bottom with driftwood. Keep a group. |
| Growth | Small: about 3 cm (1.2 in) standard length. |
| Difficulty | Easy if you start with healthy stock (years of commercial breeding have weakened many trade fish) |
| Family | Characidae |
How do you trim and propagate Neon Tetra?
Omnivorous: in nature small invertebrates, crustaceans, filamentous algae and fallen fruit. Offer small dried foods plus some frozen or live food. To raise fry, set up a separate, very dimly lit tank with java moss or spawning mops to take the eggs; mature females are rounder and a little larger than males.
What problems affect Neon Tetra?
Neon tetra disease, a microsporidian infection, is virtually untreatable once advanced. Trade stock often carries defects and poor health.
How do you fix Neon Tetra problems?
Buy healthy fish from a trusted source, quarantine newcomers, and keep the water stable and slightly acidic. Separate any fish that show advanced signs.
Where does Neon Tetra come from?
Amazon basin in Colombia, Brazil and Peru: acidic forest streams, often stained brown by humic matter, with fallen branches, roots and leaf litter on the bottom. The true extent of its range is still unclear. · Biotope regions: South America.
What should you know before buying Neon Tetra?
A shoaling fish: keep a group, not a single fish. Generally peaceful and suits a community of small, peaceful fish.
Sources
- Paracheirodon innesi (Neon Tetra) — Seriously Fish
- Paracheirodon innesi — FishBase
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-10-29.
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