Neon Tetra: A Beginner's Guide to Keeping and Caring

Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus): Orange-yellow stripe along the body, no red. Looks like small colorful fireflies.

Suitable Neon Tetra Tank: Proper Setup

Neon Tetras have quite specific environmental requirements that differ from many other fish species.

To keep them successfully, you need to pay attention to:

Tank size: Minimum 40 liters. Neon Tetras are schooling fish, so keep at least 6-10 individuals. For a school of 10+ fish, a 60-80 liter tank or larger is needed. A longer and wider tank helps the fish swim and creates a more beautiful schooling effect.

Temperature: Neon Tetras prefer warm water, optimal temperature 22-26°C. Below 20°C or above 28°C is harmful. A heater is recommended to stabilize temperature in winter.

Water pH: Neon Tetras originate from soft, highly acidic water environments (pH 4.5-6.0 in nature). In normal tap water tanks, they can still adapt well to pH 6.0-7.5. Avoid highly alkaline water (pH>8) as it will affect coloration.

Filtration system: Need a filter that creates moderate water flow - not too strong because small fish will get tired swimming against the current. Hang-on-back filters, small corner filters, or canister filters with a spray bar diffuser all meet requirements.

Lighting and tank decor: Neon Tetras like tanks with plenty of plants and shaded areas. Aquatic plants like Java moss, Anubias, Microsorum are very suitable. Substrate

Diet for Neon Tetras: The Secret to Maintaining Vibrant Colors

Neon Tetras are omnivorous but lean towards animal protein because in nature they hunt small insects and algae. To maintain bright colors and healthy fish, follow these suggestions:

Main food: Micro pellets specifically for small fish like Hikari Micro Pellets, Tetramin Tropical Crisps. Pellets must be small (under 0.5mm) because the fish's mouth is very small.

Supplementary food: Frozen Artemia (brine shrimp), microworms, finely crushed Bloodworm. These help provide complete nutrition and enhance color vibrancy.

Amount per feeding: Only feed an amount that the fish can finish within 2-3 minutes. Small fish easily overeat and develop digestive issues.

Feeding frequency: 2 times/day (morning and evening). No need to feed 3-4 times like some schooling fish but they are fast-moving.

Foods to avoid: Pellets that are too large or food meant for large fish (Koi, Goldfish). Food containing many artificial colorants should also be limited.dark substrate and green plants help make the fish's colors more vibrant.

Fish Species That Can Be Kept with Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras are very peaceful and can easily be eaten by other fish if kept with species that are too large. Below are suggestions for species that can be safely kept together:

Other Tetra species (Ember Tetra, Rummy Nose Tetra, Glowlight Tetra): Same swimming level and similar schooling behavior. Very harmonious.

Otocinclus (small suckermouth catfish): Algae eaters, different niche. Complement Neon Tetras very well.

Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae): Same size, same water requirements. The two schools can swim intermingled in the tank.

Small shrimp (Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp): Small shrimp risk being eaten by Neon Tetras if too small. Larger shrimp (>2cm) are usually safe.

Kuhli Loach: Bottom-dwelling species, doesn't compete for space with Neon Tetras.

Species to Avoid Keeping Together: Male Betta fish (may attack Neon Tetras), snakeheads, large carp, large Cichlids, Knifefish—all larger and predatory species.

Common Diseases in Neon Tetras and Prevention/Treatment Methods

Neon Tetras are notorious for being sensitive to certain specific diseases. The most feared disease is:

Neon Tetra Disease (NTD): Caused by the intracellular parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. Symptoms: fading colors, white or yellow patches under the skin, fish swimming crookedly. Currently, there is no cure, so isolation and euthanasia of infected fish are necessary.

White Spot Disease (Ich): Symptoms: white salt-like spots on the body, fish rubbing against rocks or decorations. Treatment: increase temperature to 27-28°C and add aquarium salt 1g/liter; use Ich medication if severe.

Common issues (Neon Tetra vs Anchor Worm/Velvet): Velvet (a yellow fungal disease) looks like a dusting of yellow to brown powder on the fish's body. Treat with Methylene Blue or Acriflavine.

Disease prevention: Quarantine newly purchased fish for 2 weeks before adding to the main tank. Maintain stable temperature and good water quality. Perform 20-25% water changes weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Neon Tetras

How long do Neon Tetras live? Average 5-8 years in a properly cared for tank. Some individuals can live up to 10 years.

How many Neon Tetras to keep? At least 6 to create schooling behavior. A school of 10-20 fish in a 60-80 liter tank creates the most beautiful effect.

Can Neon Tetras be kept without CO2? Yes. Neon Tetras do not need CO2. Suitable plants like Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java fern all thrive without supplemental CO2.

Why do Neon Tetra colors fade? Usually due to: poor water quality, temperature too cold, stress from too few conspecifics, tank too bright, or disease. Check these factors first.

Can Neon Tetras eat only dry food? Best to use both quality dry food and frozen fresh food. Using only one type will lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

Can Neon Tetras live with Betta fish? Theoretically possible but not generally recommended because male Bettas may sometimes chase and nip Neon Tetras.

Breeding Neon Tetras at Home

Breeding Neon Tetras is very difficult to achieve in home aquariums because they require very soft water (GH <4) and very acidic water (pH 5-6) for eggs to hatch. Most Neon Tetras sold on the market are mass-bred from fish farms. If you want to try breeding, you need to prepare a separate breeding tank (5-10 liters) with RO water or filtered rainwater, pre-seeded with beneficial bacteria. Maintain pH 5.5-6.5, temperature 26°C, no light. The fish will spawn at night, eggs hatch after 24 hours, and fry become free-swimming after 3-5 days. Parents need to be removed immediately after spawning in the morning.