Black Neon Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi · Easy care · 15 gallon minimum
A hardier alternative to the neon with a white-over-black stripe; great beginner schooling fish.
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How big does a black neon tetra get?
A black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) reaches about 1.5 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a black neon tetra a minimum of 15 gallons, with water at 73–81°F and a pH of 5.5–7.5. Keep them in groups of at least 6 — they are shoaling fish and become stressed and washed-out alone. As a easy-care, omnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a black neon tetra with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the black neon tetra
The black neon tetra is a freshwater fish of the characin family (Characidae) of the order Characiformes. It is native to the Paraguay basin of southern Brazil. They are often found in the aquarium trade, and a feral population has been established in the rio Paraíba do Sul basin due to the trade.
Recommended gear for black neon tetras
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