Neon Tetra

A 10 to 20 gallon tank works well for a proper school of 6 to 10 or more, since neon tetras are intensely shoaling fish that show visible stress in small numbers. Keep water heated between 72 and 78 degrees F with gentle filtration and current. Dense planting paired with some open swimming space, along with subdued lighting, mimics the dappled blackwater streams they come from. A stable, fully established tank is strongly preferred over a brand-new one, since neon tetras are notably sensitive to ammonia spikes.

Neon tetras are omnivores that do well on high-quality micro-pellets or crushed flake sized appropriately for their small mouths. Supplementing with baby brine shrimp or micro daphnia adds valuable variety. Feed small amounts once or twice a day - overfeeding fouls water quickly given how sensitive this species is to poor water quality relative to its tiny bioload.

Schooling behavior is really the core of both their appeal and their wellbeing - a group of 10 or more moving in a tight, synchronized formation through planted decor is genuinely mesmerizing to watch and meaningfully reduces stress on individual fish. Dense plants and driftwood recreate the dappled light of their native streams. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent with other small, non-aggressive community fish, but avoid housing them with anything large enough to view them as food, such as angelfish or oscars.

Neon tetra disease, caused by the parasite Pleistophora hyphessobrycetis, causes color loss, a curved spine, and wasting, and unfortunately has no cure - affected fish should be removed and isolated to protect the rest of the school. Ich is also common. Neon tetras are extremely sensitive to ammonia and nitrite spikes and sudden shifts in water parameters, which is a major cause of unexplained die-offs in new tanks. Always fully cycle a tank before adding neons, and maintain stable weekly 20 to 25 percent water changes afterward.