Neon Tetras

Basic Information:

Neon Tetras are a very popular freshwater fish for beginners and advanced fish keepers. Their bright neon blue and red color patterns are very attractive as an individual freshwater fish but when they school together, the effect is quite mesmorizing. Although found in nearly all fish stores around the world, the neon tetras come originally from rivers in South America, near Eastern Peru.

Size:

Based on their size (maximum size is approximately 1 1/2"), most hobbyist like to keep them in groups of 6 or more. They also tend to be more comfortable in larger groups and in the end, isn't it all about keeping your fishes happy and comfortable?

Type of Fish:

Neon Tetras are a great community fish. They are non-aggressive and will co-exist with about any type of smaller community freshwater fishes. Due to their size, any larger fish might mistaken them for food so pick their tankmates carefully. Fishes such as Angels are naturally predators of neon tetras in the wild.

What fish aquarium equipments do you need?

You need a few simple fish aquarium items to set up a thriving community for your fishes. First you need to pick an appropriate fish tank size. Try to get as big of a fish tank as you can get (everyone will tell you that you'll always end up upgrading anyways). The next important thing you need is to pick a proper size filter. There are many different brands of filters to pick from but the rule of thumb is to get as big of a filter as you can get. Your aquarium filter system is very essential to the stability and growth of your fish tank.

Another important part is the proper aquarium lighting system. Depending on if you want to keep plants, you can go with regular light bulbs or go as complex as metal halides for harder to keep plants. Your aquarium lighting system will also help bring out the vibrant colors of your fishes so it's a good idea to invest in a good system.

What to Feed Neon Tetras?

Neon Tetras accept most any type of food that will fit in their mouths. Most neon tetras that are available at pet stores are usually bred at fish farms and are fed basically what you can find at your local fish store. I personally feed mine with Hikari brand food that are made especially for small fishes like the neon tetra in mind. Make sure you feed enough as it's hard to determine which one has eaten do to their quickness and quantity.

What Conditions:

Neon Tetras are a tropical area fish. They prefer temperatures between 73F-79F so they can co-exist with many other freshwater tropical fishes. PH they usually prefer softer water so around 5 to 7 would be acceptable. They easily adapt to any lighting although brighter bulbs brings out the shine of their colors better. Water clarity should be clear and clean with weekly water changes if possible.

Editor's Remarks:

The Neon Tetra is a great fish to add. I've personally kept them in every single freshwater tank that I have ever owned. Because of their size and color, I'd recommend keeping as many as possible in your tank, even to the point of just keeping just Neon Tetras only. If you've ever seen a tank of just a huge group of neon tetras, you'll know what I'm talking about. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!