Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) – 2–2.5 inches

Description & Behavior
The Black Neon Tetra is a small, peaceful schooling fish from the Paraguay and Taquari River basins in Brazil. It features a sleek silver body crossed by a striking black stripe below a glowing white or neon-green stripe—paired with a faint red eye highlight—making it a standout in planted aquariums.  This hardy species thrives best when kept in groups of at least six, displaying its most natural behavior in a spacious, well-planted setup. 

Tank & Water Conditions

• Tank Size: Minimum 10–20 gallons for a small school; more space allows freer movement. 

• Water Temperature: 72–80 °F (22–27 °C)

• pH: Broad range—5.0 to 8.0 acceptable, though soft, slightly acidic water closely replicates native conditions. 

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Environment: Dim lighting, dark sandy or fine gravel substrate, dense vegetation, and subdued surface flow enhance both coloration and comfort. 

Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous and not picky eaters—Black Neons thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flakes or micro-pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. 

Temperament & Social Behavior
Known for being peaceful and adaptable, they make excellent community fish—just avoid pairing them with aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates. 

Lifespan & Care Level
Relatively easy to care for, especially for beginners, with a lifespan of around 5 years under optimal conditions.