Neon tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

FishFreshwater

Care level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum tank: 60 L
Maximum size: 3.5 cm
Temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Group size: ≥ 8
Diet: Omnivore

Care at a glance

The neon tetra is many people's first real aquarium fish, and for good reason: it is small, peaceful and, with its blue and red stripe, an eye-catcher in any planted tank. It is a true schooling fish that only settles down in a decent-sized group; keep too few and they turn shy and pale.

Neons prefer soft, slightly acidic water and do best in a mature tank with some floating plants to soften the light. They are sensitive to big swings, so acclimatise new fish slowly and change water in small portions. Avoid combining them with large or boisterous fish; in a calm community tank they easily reach five years of age.