Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon Herbertaxelrodi 2cm

Overview

The Black Neon Tetra is a sleek little shoaler with a glowing greenish-white stripe above a deep black band, topped by a red-tinged eye. It moves in tight, coordinated groups through planted tanks and stays in the upper and middle water. Native to the upper Paraguay basin of Brazil, it suits beginners and peaceful community aquariums.

• Adult Size: Around 3.5–4 cm (1.5 in); females slightly larger
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Upper Rio Paraguai, Mato Grosso, Brazil
• Habitat: Clear, tea-stained streams with dense vegetation

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Micro pellets, flake, daphnia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp
• Feeding Habits: Feed small amounts once or twice daily; vary live, frozen and dried foods

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp
• Avoid: Large or predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, boisterous barbs, angelfish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Very peaceful, ideal community fish
• Territoriality: None to speak of; males display harmlessly to each other

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Prefers soft water and a mature, planted tank; dislikes bright open tanks

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
• pH: 5.0–7.5
• Hardness: 1–12 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 70 litres; 80 cm long for a shoal of eight to ten fish

Final Notes

Buy a group of eight to ten; larger shoals are bolder and show far better colour. Dark substrate, plants and a little floating cover suit them well. It is an egg scatterer with no parental care, and mature females are deeper bodied than males. Stock is commercially bred and hardy once settled. An albino form also exists. Add floating plants to soften the light and the stripe glows. A shoal glides through the tank beautifully.