Neon Tetra – Paracheirodon innesi

The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its brilliant blue stripe, bright red lower body, peaceful temperament, and active schooling behavior, this classic fish adds color and movement to planted aquariums and community tanks.

Neon Tetras thrive in groups and look especially stunning in planted aquariums, where their vibrant blue and red coloration contrasts beautifully against live plants, driftwood, and natural aquarium decor. Their small size and peaceful nature make them a great choice for beginner freshwater aquariums.

Key Features

• Bright blue and red freshwater tetra
• Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
• Beginner-friendly with stable aquarium conditions
• Great for planted tanks and aquascapes
• Small size for nano to mid-size aquariums
• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
• Common Name: Neon Tetra
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: Up to approximately 1.5 inches
• Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
• Tank Level: Midwater
• Water Temperature: 72–78°F
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Diet: Omnivore

Why Choose Neon Tetras?

Neon Tetras are a favorite for good reason. They are peaceful, colorful, easy to feed, and ideal for creating an active freshwater community aquarium. Their bright blue and red coloration makes them one of the most recognizable schooling fish available.

A proper group of Neon Tetras creates a beautiful display as they move through the aquarium together. They are especially attractive in planted tanks with darker backgrounds, shaded areas, and open swimming space.

Ideal Tank Setup

Neon Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with clean water, live plants, and peaceful tankmates. Plants, driftwood, and decor help them feel secure while open swimming areas allow them to school naturally.

Keep Neon Tetras in groups of at least 6 or more for best behavior, confidence, and reduced stress. Avoid sudden changes in water temperature or pH, especially when adding them to a new aquarium.

Compatible Tankmates

• Other peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Ember Tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Small peaceful gouramis
• Otocinclus
• Guppies
• Shrimp with proper cover
• Nerite and mystery snails

Tankmates to Avoid

• Large predatory fish
• Aggressive cichlids
• Large angelfish that may eat small tetras
• Fin-nipping species
• Overly boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food

Diet & Feeding

Neon Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed high-quality micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other appropriately sized foods.

A varied diet helps support bright color, healthy activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.

Care Tips

• Keep in groups of 6 or more
• Use a stable, fully cycled aquarium
• Provide live plants and areas of cover
• Maintain clean, stable water conditions
• Avoid large or aggressive tankmates
• Feed small foods suited for nano schooling fish

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Neon Tetras good for beginners?
Yes. Neon Tetras are peaceful, small, and beginner-friendly when kept in a stable, properly cycled freshwater aquarium.

How many Neon Tetras should I keep together?
Keep Neon Tetras in groups of at least 6 or more. Larger groups usually look better and help reduce stress.

Can Neon Tetras live in planted tanks?
Yes. Neon Tetras are excellent for planted aquariums, where their blue and red coloration stands out against live plants.

What fish can live with Neon Tetras?
They do well with peaceful community fish such as Corydoras, rasboras, guppies, Ember Tetras, small gouramis, shrimp with cover, and snails.

Are Neon Tetras aggressive?
No. Neon Tetras are peaceful schooling fish and are ideal for calm freshwater community aquariums.

What do Neon Tetras eat?
They eat micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small foods.

Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Neon Tetras are peaceful beginner-friendly schooling fish for planted aquariums, nano tanks, and freshwater community setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.

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