Beginner Friendly9 min read

Complete Neon Tetra Care Guide

Paracheirodon innesi

Neon tetras are iconic aquarium fish, recognized instantly by their brilliant blue and red stripes. These small, peaceful fish are a staple of the aquarium hobby and make excellent community tank residents.

Lifespan

5-10 years

Size

1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)

Tank Size

Minimum 10 gallons for a school

Temperature

70-81°F (21-27°C)

6.0-7.0

Diet

Omnivore

In This Guide

Schooling Requirements Tank Environment Water Parameters Neon Tetra Disease Common Mistakes FAQs

Native to the blackwater streams of South America, neon tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic water and dimmer lighting. When kept in proper conditions with an adequate school, their colors truly shine.

Schooling Requirements

Neon tetras are schooling fish that must be kept in groups to feel secure and display natural behavior.

Minimum School Size - Absolute minimum: 6 tetras - Recommended: 10-12+ for best behavior - Larger schools = more confident, colorful fish

Why Schooling Matters - Reduces stress and fear - Encourages natural swimming patterns - Brings out best coloration - Single or small groups hide and fade

Tank Size for Schools - 10 gallons: 6-10 neon tetras - 20 gallons: 15-20 neon tetras - Larger tanks allow impressive schools

Tank Environment

Recreating their natural habitat helps neon tetras thrive and show their best colors.

Lighting - Subdued lighting preferred - Floating plants help diffuse light - Bright lights can wash out colors

Plants - Heavily planted tanks ideal - Amazon swords, Java fern, Anubias - Floating plants for shade - Dense areas for hiding

Substrate - Dark substrate enhances colors - Sand or fine gravel - Avoid bright or white substrates

Water Flow - Gentle to moderate flow - Avoid strong currents - Position filter outlet appropriately

Water Parameters

Neon tetras come from soft, acidic waters. While tank-bred specimens are adaptable, optimal parameters bring out their best.

Ideal Parameters - Temperature: 70-81°F (lower end preferred) - pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic ideal) - Hardness: Soft to medium (2-10 dGH) - Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm - Nitrate: Under 20 ppm

Acclimation - Neon tetras are sensitive to parameter swings - Drip acclimate new fish over 1-2 hours - Avoid sudden temperature or pH changes - Cycle tank fully before adding

Neon Tetra Disease

Neon Tetra Disease (NTD) is a serious, often fatal condition specific to neon tetras and related species.

Symptoms - Loss of coloration (fading stripe) - Lumpy or irregular body shape - Difficulty swimming - Spine curvature - Cysts visible under skin

Cause - Microsporidian parasite (Pleistophora) - Spreads when fish eat infected tissue - No known cure

Prevention - Quarantine all new fish - Remove sick fish immediately - Don't feed dead fish to tank - Buy from reputable sources - Avoid stressed or unhealthy-looking fish

Not NTD Many conditions mimic NTD. Color loss can indicate: - Stress - Poor water quality - Other diseases - Aging

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1Keeping in groups smaller than 6
2Adding to uncycled tanks
3Keeping with aggressive or large fish
4Bright lighting washing out colors
5Sudden parameter changes
6Not quarantining new additions
7Overfeeding
8Wrong temperature (too warm)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many neon tetras should I keep together?

Minimum 6, but 10-12+ is recommended. Larger schools are more confident, active, and colorful.

Can neon tetras live with bettas?

Sometimes, but it depends on the individual betta. Neon tetras prefer cooler water than bettas, and some bettas may chase them. Monitor carefully if attempting.