Neon Tetras

Written By Andrew Sawai

Neon tetras, those little fish with stunning colors, are like tiny disco stars in your aquarium. Their vibrant blue and red stripes shine as if they're powered by neon lights, giving your tank an instant pop. These South American natives are friendly and love to hang out in schools, gliding through the water with elegance. Neon tetras are easy to care for, so they're perfect for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists. They get along swimmingly with other peaceful fish, adding a lively touch to any community tank. If you want to jazz up your aquarium with some dazzling colors, neon tetras are the way to go!

Care Level: Easy

  • Behavior: Peaceful

  • Life Span: Up to 10 years

  • Tank Size: Min 10 gallons (planted)

  • Living Zone: Mid-upper

  • Temperature: 72°-76°F (22.2°-24.4°C)

  • Ammonia: 0 ppm

  • Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

  • pH: 6-7

  • GH: <10 dGH (<166.7 ppm)

  • KH: 1-2 dKH (17.8- 35.8ppm)

Tankmates

For the best neon tetra experience, it's important to keep them in groups of at least six or more. These sociable fish are natural shoalers and feel most comfortable when surrounded by their fellow neon friends. When it comes to tankmates, choose species that are small and peaceful to ensure a harmonious community. Great companions include rasboras, small tetras, dwarf gouramis, corys, and other small catfish. However, steer clear of larger tetras, as they have a knack for making neon tetras disappear during mealtime. As a general rule, if a fish can fit a neon tetra in its mouth, it's only a matter of time before it becomes a snack. So, keep the neon tetras company, but be mindful of their safety!

Tank Size


When it comes to tank size for neon tetras, bigger is definitely better. While they may be small in size, these active swimmers need room to roam and schools to thrive. As a general guideline, it is recommended to provide at least a 10-gallon (38-liter) tank for a small group of neon tetras. However, if you can go larger, they'll appreciate it even more. A larger tank not only provides more swimming space but also allows for better water stability and easier maintenance. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to create a visually stunning display with plants, hiding spots, and ample swimming room for your neon tetras to show off their dazzling colors. So, aim for a spacious tank to give your neon tetras the happy and healthy home they deserve!

Water Condition

Creating the perfect aquatic haven for your fish requires nailing the right water conditions and parameters, no matter how resilient they may seem. Here's what you should strive for:

Water temperature: Shoot for a cozy range of 70°F to 81°F (21°C to 27°C). It's like a warm and sunny vacation spot for your fishy pals!

pH levels: Keep the pH below 7.0 to create a slightly acidic environment. Think of it as giving them a home with a hint of tanginess.

Hardness rating: Don't let the hardness exceed 10 dGH (degrees of general hardness). We want to keep things just right, not too soft or too hard.

Remember, these tropical wonders hail from the vibrant landscapes of South America. By mimicking their native water parameters, you'll provide them with a comfortable and familiar environment to thrive in. So, let's create a tropical paradise for these finned beauties!

Andrew Sawai