
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A small characin with a fine silvery-white line above a broad black band along the flank. Hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water, it swims calmly and shows the strongest contrast in a group of eight or more.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi comes from the Paraguay basin of South America. FishBase records a maximum of 3.2cm SL, pH 5.5-7.5, up to 15 dH and 23-27C, notes a diet of worms, small crustaceans and plant matter, and reports that in captivity it swims in the middle and upper layers and spawns in open water, the eggs hatching in twenty-four to thirty hours; it advises groups of five or more and a minimum tank length of 60cm. Seriously Fish gives 35mm SL, 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5, 1-12 dGH and an 80 x 30cm base of about 72 litres. Its signature is the contrast between a fine silvery-white line and the broad black band beneath it, the opposite of the neon tetra's red and blue. Mature females are deeper-bodied and a little larger than males. A staple since its discovery, it is farmed in several countries and wild fish are no longer collected, and an albino strain is also traded. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Black Neon Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Black Neon Tetra grows to Up to 3.2cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Black Neon Tetra is 20〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Paraguay basin, Brazil and Bolivia)
Lifespan
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
3-5 years
Size
Up to 3.2cm SL
Temperature
20〜28℃
Dried, frozen and live foods
Seriously Fish suggests an 80 x 30cm base of about 72 litres and FishBase a minimum length of 60cm. A dark substrate with dense planting and floating plants to soften the light sharpens the contrast of the bands. It uses the middle and upper water, so leave that space open.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5 and 1-12 dGH, while FishBase records pH 5.5-7.5, up to 15 dH and 23-27C. Its natural water is soft and acidic, though farmed fish are undemanding.
Very peaceful and a good community fish, suiting similarly sized characins, hatchetfish, pencilfish, smaller Corydoras and loricariids, and non-predatory small to medium cichlids. A mixed-sex group of eight to ten or more settles it.
An omnivore taking worms, small crustaceans and plant matter. Dried food is taken readily, and frozen bloodworm or Artemia keeps it in better condition. The mouth is small, so choose fine-grained foods.
An egg scatterer with no parental care. FishBase reports that it spawns in open water and that the eggs hatch in twenty-four to thirty hours. Mature females are deeper-bodied and easy to tell apart. For numbers use a dimly lit separate tank with mesh or fine-leaved plants.
Hardy and suitable for beginners. In small numbers it turns nervous and loses colour, so always introduce it as a group, and other shoaling fish alongside help it settle. An albino strain is also traded. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Black Neon Tetra is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Black Neon Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Black Neon Tetra typically reaches Up to 3.2cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Black Neon Tetra feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Black Neon Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026