Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Also known as: Neon

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟢 Easy 🍽️ Omnivore Schooling (6+)

One of the most popular freshwater fish. Brilliant blue and red coloring makes schools of neons a stunning display.

Tank Size

10 gal
minimum (20+ preferred)

Temperature

70–81°F
21–27°C

pH Range

6–7
water acidity

Max Size

1.5"
3.8 cm

Lifespan

5–8 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle
preferred zone

Care Notes

Hardy once acclimated but sensitive to water quality swings. Best added to mature, cycled tanks.

Feeding

Accepts flakes, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp.

Compatible Tank Mates

Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5"

Use Caution With

Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Silvertip Tetra 2" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Blue Tetra 2.5" Long-Finned Serpae Tetra 1.8" Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid 3" Firemouth Cichlid 6" Electric Blue Acara 6" Kribensis 4"

Incompatible With

White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Angelfish 6" Oscar 14" Discus 8" Jack Dempsey 10" Convict Cichlid 5" Green Terror 8" Severum 8" Blood Parrot Cichlid 8" Texas Cichlid 12" Blue Acara 6" Pike Cichlid 10"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Neon Tetra is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.