Neon Tetra Fish (Paracheirodon innesi) – Iconic freshwater favorite with glowing blue and red stripes. Peaceful, active, and perfect for any community aquarium.

The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most beloved and recognizable freshwater aquarium fish worldwide, famous for its glowing electric blue stripe and vivid red tail band. This peaceful, active schooling fish brings a splash of color and life to any community tank, from nano setups to large planted aquariums.

Known for its friendly, non-aggressive nature, the Neon Tetra is ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Their small size, sociable personality, and dynamic schooling behavior make them a stunning visual centerpiece in both natural and decorative aquascapes.

Neon Tetras are perfect for creating shimmering schools of light in your aquarium, making them ideal companions for other small, peaceful fish like Corydoras, Rasboras, and Guppies. Their glowing neon colors reflect beautifully under aquarium lighting, creating a mesmerizing display that enhances the overall ambiance of your tank.

🐾 Key Features & Benefits

✔ Vivid Blue and Red Stripes

The Neon Tetra’s signature electric blue stripe runs from the eye to the adipose fin, while a bright red band along the lower body completes its striking appearance. These colors are most intense in healthy, well-fed schools, adding dazzling brilliance to any freshwater aquarium.

✔ Peaceful & Social Schooling Fish

Neon Tetras are happiest in groups of six or more, where they exhibit natural coordinated swimming patterns. Their schooling behavior not only reduces stress but also provides a lively, harmonious visual display that enhances the beauty of any aquascape.

✔ Beginner-Friendly & Hardy

Despite their delicate appearance, Neon Tetras are hardy fish, adaptable to a wide range of water conditions. Their resilient nature makes them perfect for novice aquarists, while their consistent care requirements allow seasoned hobbyists to enjoy long-term, low-maintenance schooling fish.

✔ Active & Engaging Behavior

Neon Tetras are energetic, playful swimmers that remain active throughout the tank, constantly exploring and interacting with their environment. Their lively movements encourage natural tank dynamics and pair beautifully with plants, driftwood, and midwater-dwelling species.

🌱 Neon Tetra Care & Habitat

Tank & Environment

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small school; larger setups recommended for optimal schooling

• Temperature: 70–81°F (21–27°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.0

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Substrate & Decor: Dark substrate enhances neon coloration; include plants, driftwood, and hiding spots

• Lighting: Moderate to low lighting accentuates the neon stripes

Diet & Feeding

• Omnivorous: Accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live foods

• Enjoys brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and small vegetable-based foods

• Feed small portions 1–2 times daily to maintain vibrant color and optimal health

Behavior & Social Needs

• Peaceful schooling fish ideal for community aquariums

• Keep in groups of six or more for natural behavior and reduced stress

• Avoid large, aggressive tank mates that could harm or stress the tetras

🌿 Aquarium Benefits

• Adds vibrant neon blue and red color to any freshwater setup

• Active schooling behavior provides dynamic visual movement

• Compatible with numerous peaceful community fish

• Hardy and long-lived, offering a rewarding addition for beginners and experienced aquarists

• Perfect for planted aquascapes, nano tanks, and midwater displays

⚠️ Important Notes

• Maintain stable water parameters for optimal health and color intensity

• Provide ample swimming space and cover to support natural behavior

• Neon Tetras are sensitive to sudden changes in water quality, so gradual adjustments are recommended

The Neon Tetra is more than just a fish; it’s an aquarium icon. With its striking colors, peaceful nature, and schooling brilliance, it transforms any freshwater tank into a vibrant, dynamic display of life and movement. Whether you are a first-time aquarist or a seasoned hobbyist, a school of Neon Tetras provides mesmerizing beauty, active behavior, and long-lasting enjoyment for your aquatic ecosystem.