CheckMyFishTank

Neon Tetra care

Paracheirodon innesi · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Neon Tetra, painted illustration

A small glowing schooling fish that suits peaceful community tanks.

Smallest tank10 gallons
Adult size1.5 inches
Temperature70 to 78°F
pH6 to 7.2
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives4 to 8 years
Watch for: Keep them in a settled tank, since new tanks swing too much for them.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Micro pellets or crushed flakes, frozen brine shrimp as a treat.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Neon Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Neon Tetra need different water temperatures.
  • Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
  • Discus: Discus and Neon Tetra need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.

Questions

What size tank does a Neon Tetra need?

At least 10 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 1.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Neon Tetra like?

70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.2. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Neon Tetra should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Neon Tetra eat?

Micro pellets or crushed flakes, frozen brine shrimp as a treat. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.