Neon Tetra Care Guide
Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are one of the most recognizable fish in the freshwater hobby – small schooling tetras with an electric blue stripe down the body and a red splash on the tail half. They are a great choice for peaceful community tanks, planted aquascapes, and as a beginner schooling species, provided the tank is mature and the water is right. This is a quick-reference care guide; for a longer rundown of Neon Tetra biology, see our detailed product page.
Quick Stats
- Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi
- Adult size: 1.25-1.5 inches
- Minimum tank: 10 gallons; 20+ for a proper school
- Temperature: 72-78°F
- pH: 5.5-7.2 (prefer slightly acidic)
- Hardness: 1-10 dGH (soft water lovers)
- Diet: Omnivore, micro-prey focused
- Temperament: Peaceful schooler
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Tank and water
Neon Tetras come from the soft, acidic, tannin-stained waters of the upper Amazon basin. They thrive in tanks that recreate that environment: dim lighting, dark substrate, driftwood, Indian almond leaves, and floating plants for cover. They will live in plain tap water in many regions, but they look and behave best in slightly acidic, soft water.
Always keep them in groups of at least eight, ideally twelve or more. Single or paired Neons are stressed Neons – they fade, hide, and die early. A school of twelve in a 20-gallon planted tank is a sight in its own right.
Filtration should be moderate and gentle. A sponge filter, baffled HOB, or low-flow canister works well. Strong current exhausts them. Most importantly, do not add Neons to a fresh, uncycled tank. They are particularly sensitive to ammonia spikes; a mature, established tank with stable parameters is essential.
Tankmates
Neons get along with most peaceful community fish their size or smaller. Excellent tankmates include cardinal tetras, ember tetras, harlequin and chili rasboras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, peaceful Corydoras, ottocinclus, dwarf cichlids in well-stocked tanks (German Blue Rams, Apistogramma), and small loaches like kuhli loaches. Avoid angelfish (they will eat adult Neons), large gouramis, aggressive cichlids, and fin-nippers like tiger barbs.
Diet
Feed a quality micro-pellet or crushed flake as the staple, supplemented with frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and the occasional crushed bloodworm. Neons have small mouths and need small foods. Two small feedings a day; a fasted day once a week is fine. Avoid overfeeding – uneaten food fouls the soft water they need fast.
Ordering from us
Neons ship well as long as the weather cooperates and the destination tank is cycled. We follow our standard Shipping & Acclimation procedure with 45-60 minute drip acclimation. For matching water chemistry, see our Water Chemistry guide. Email help@jojoaquatics.com with any questions before ordering.
— The JoJo Aquatics team, Key West, Florida
Frequently asked questions
What water parameters do neon tetras need?
Soft, slightly acidic water suits them best: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 72-78F, and gentle flow. They show their strongest color in a mature, well-planted tank.
How many neon tetras should I keep together?
Keep a group of at least 8-10. Neon tetras are a schooling fish and feel secure in numbers, and larger groups school more tightly and color up better.
What size tank do neon tetras need?
A cycled 10-gallon tank suits a starter school. A 20-gallon gives a fuller display and more stable water, which neons appreciate.
Are neon tetras good for beginners?
Yes, as long as the tank is fully cycled. They are hardy and peaceful but dislike brand-new, unstable tanks, so add them to an established setup.
What fish live well with neon tetras?
Peaceful community tankmates such as Adolfo's cory, other small tetras, and dwarf cichlids like German rams. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may eat them.
