Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetra key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

Up to 3.2cm SL

Temperature

20〜28℃

Diet

Dried, frozen and live foods

Tank

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.

Water Temperature & Quality

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.

Tank Mates

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.

Diet & Feeding

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.

Breeding & Spawning

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.

Health & Notes

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.

About Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetra is a hardy small characin with a striking silver line and black band, growing to about 3.2 cm. Easy for beginners and stunning when kept in groups.

7 things to know before welcoming a Black Neon Tetra

1. 1Best Kept in Groups

   Black Neon Tetras are strongly schooling fish, and their true charm doesn't show when kept alone or in small numbers. Keeping eight or more together brings out the contrast in their banding and lets them display calm, cohesive schooling behavior.

2. 2Small at Up to 3.2 cm

   Adults reach a maximum size of about 3.2 cm, making them a compact species. Their small size makes them easy to combine with other small fish in a community tank.

3. 3Hardy, Adapts Well

   This species tolerates a wide range of water conditions and is generally hardy, making it manageable even for those new to fishkeeping. That said, avoid sudden changes in water parameters and acclimate new arrivals carefully.

4. 4Calm, Community-Friendly

   Black Neon Tetras have a peaceful, easygoing temperament and rarely bother other small fish. They can be a bit shy, so providing plants or driftwood for cover helps them settle in.

5. 5Shines in a Dark-Toned Tank

   The contrast between the silvery line and black band stands out best against darker substrate and dense planting. Thoughtful lighting can further highlight their coloration.

6. 6Size Your Tank for the Group

   Since they're best kept in groups, plan your tank size around the number of fish you intend to keep before bringing them home. Keep stocking density in balance with your water volume.

7. 7Acclimate Slowly on Arrival

   These fish can be sensitive to the stress of transport, so take time to acclimate them slowly and carefully after arrival. Keep feeding and tank changes minimal until they settle into their new environment.

Frequently asked questions about Black Neon Tetra

Q.How many should I keep together?

A.Since they're a strongly schooling species, it's best to keep eight or more together. A larger group makes the contrast in their banding stand out and lets them display calm, cohesive schooling.

Q.Are they suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, they're considered beginner-friendly thanks to their hardiness and tolerance for a range of water conditions. Even so, avoid sudden water changes and acclimate them carefully.

Q.How big do they get?

A.Adults reach a maximum of about 3.2 cm, making them a small species. Their compact size makes them easy to combine with other small fish in a community tank.

Q.Can they live with other fish?

A.Yes, their calm and peaceful temperament makes them suitable tankmates for other mild-mannered fish of similar size. Since they can be a bit shy, providing plants for cover helps them feel secure.

Q.How are they different from regular Neon Tetras?

A.They're a closely related species with a different color pattern along the body. Black Neon Tetras feature a thin silvery-white line above a broad black band, giving them a more subdued, understated coloration.

Useful tools for Black Neon Tetra care

Learn more about Black Neon Tetra in the encyclopedia

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