Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Also known as: Neon

Quick Facts

• Adult size: 2-3 cm (0.79-1.18 inches)
• Minimum tank size: 55 litres (14.5 gallons)
• Lifespan: 3–8 years
• Temperament: peaceful
• Swimming level: middle
• Diet: omnivore
• Minimum group size: 6
• Difficulty: beginner

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 21–25°C
• pH: 4–7.5
• Hardness: 18–215 dGH

Care Summary

One of the most popular community fish ever kept, prized for its iridescent blue and red stripe. Deceptively delicate despite its beginner reputation — modern farm-bred neons are less hardy than their wild ancestors and prone to neon tetra disease, an incurable parasitic illness. Best added to a mature, fully cycled tank, never a new one. Schools tightly in the middle of the water column.

Tankmates

A peaceful schooling species that must be kept in groups of at least 6 — ideally 10 or more for a healthy school. Their small size and bright colouration makes them targets for larger or aggressive fish, including adult angelfish (which historically prey on them in the wild) and bettas (which may mistake the flash of colour for a rival). Best in soft, slightly acidic water; struggles in hard, alkaline water typical of many Australian municipal supplies.

Compatible with

• Bronze Corydoras
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Ember Tetra
• Cherry Shrimp
• Otocinclus

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Angelfish Adult
• Large Cichlids
• Fin Nippers

Common Problems

• neon tetra disease (incurable)
• ich
• stress from being kept in groups smaller than 6
• sensitivity to water parameter swings

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-01