Neon tetra care

Water temperature

72–79°F

Neon tetras do best at 72–79°F and pH 6–7. Plan on 10 gallons or more. Good tank mates include bettas, guppies, tiger barbs.

Small enough to fit in an angelfish's mouth. Keep six or more.

Paracheirodon innesi

pH

6–7

Minimum tank

10 gal

Adult size

1.5 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Group

Groups of 6+

Lifespan

5–8 years

Swims at

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Best tank mates

• BettaYes
• GuppyYes
• Tiger barbYes
• Harlequin rasboraYes
• Zebra danioYes
• GloFish tetraYes
• Cardinal tetraYes
• CorydorasYes
• Honey gouramiYes
• Sparkling gouramiYes
• Kuhli loachYes
• OtocinclusYes

Full neon tetra tank mate chart: 51 yes, 27 with care, 20 no

Neon tetra water compared

Fish to keep away from neon tetras

• Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. No temperature suits both.
• Pea puffer Pea puffers are aggressive and will bully peaceful neon tetras.
• Goldfish Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.
• Angelfish An adult angelfish eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches neon tetras do.
• Pictus catfish An adult pictus catfish eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches neon tetras do.
• Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches neon tetras do.
• Bichir An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches neon tetras do.
• Elephant nose fish At 9 inches an elephant nose fish can swallow a 1.5-inch neon tetra whole.

More tetras and characins

• Ember tetra73–84°F
• Congo tetra73–82°F
• Rummy nose tetra75–84°F
• Cardinal tetra76–84°F
• Black skirt tetra70–80°F
• Serpae tetra72–79°F
• Silver dollar75–82°F
• Glowlight tetra74–80°F