All fish / Characidae

Black Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Also known as black neon, black tetra neon, black neon tetra fish, herbert axelrod tetra, ปลาแบล็คนีออน, ブラックネオンテトラ, 黑灯鱼, 黑霓虹灯

A small, slim tetra with a broad black band along the lower flank topped by a thin pale greenish line, and a red-tinted upper eye. It is hardy, peaceful and looks best in a busy shoal over dark substrate and plants, making it a popular choice for community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and micro pellets with live or frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Rio Taquari basin, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants or mops, with no parental care and a habit of eating the eggs. It breeds fairly readily in a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and dim light, and the tiny fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Not to be confused with the neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), which has a blue and red stripe instead. Avoid housing with fin-nippers or fish large enough to swallow it.