Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Also sold as Neons · Diamond neon tetra · Longfin neon tetra
Synonyms Hyphessobrycon innesi
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 3.5 cm (1.4 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 70–81°F (21–27°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 40 L (11 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 70–81°F (21–27°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 1–10 |
| Lifespan | 2–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Neon Tetra needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- 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 70–81°F (21–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It can go wrong with Betta — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 42% of what a 15 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Neon Tetra: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
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?
70–81°F (21–27°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 1–10.
How long does it live?
2–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
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
| Neon Tetra | Green Neon Tetra | Cardinal Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 cm | 2.5 cm | 5 cm |
| Min tank | 40 L | 40 L | 60 L |
| Group | 6+ | 8+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 70–81°F (21–27°C) | 75–86°F (24–30°C) | 75–84°F (24–29°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only |