Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Synonyms Black neon
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 3.5 cm (1.4 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 73–81°F (23–27°C) and pH 5.5–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 60 L (16 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 73–81°F (23–27°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 2–15 |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Black Neon Tetra needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Angelfish and Axolotl: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 73–81°F (23–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 36% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
73–81°F (23–27°C), pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–15.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Black Neon Tetra | Lemon Tetra | Black Phantom Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 cm | 4 cm | 4.5 cm |
| Min tank | 60 L | 72 L | 60 L |
| Group | 6+ | 8+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 73–81°F (23–27°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquariumcoop.com
- What it eats, Mature tankaquaticarts.com