Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Characins > Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetra

Family: Characidae

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Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   A school of Black Neon Tetras set in an aquarium with plants and a dark substrate makes a striking show!

   The Black Neon Tetras are happiest in a school. How many fish make a school?... the standard answer is 7. This fish has a similar appearance to the Neon Tetra with its horizontal stripe that seems to glow. But even though they are called the 'Black Neon Tetra', they are a distinctly different fish than the Neon Tetra. They can readily be identified, as they have an enamel-white to greenish neon stripe contrasted with a rich velvety black color below it.

   Being a very peaceful fish, the Black Neon Tetra makes a very good addition to a community aquarium. They appreciate subdued lighting and will readily form schools.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Black Neon Tetra was described by Géry in 1961. They are found in South America, the Paraguay River basin; Rio Taquari, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Brazil. Black Neon Tetras are now generally all captive-bred.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The Black Neon Tetra is a small more slim-bodied species of tetra. It is similar in appearance to the Neon Tetra with its horizontal stripe that seems to glow, but is a distinctly different fish. They can readily be identified, as they have an enamel-white to greenish neon stripe contrasted with a rich velvety black color below it.

Size - Weight:
   These fish get up to 1.5 inches (4 cm).

Care and feeding:
   Since they are omnivorous the Black Neon Tetra will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Black Neon Tetras are somewhat more demanding than the Neon Tetra and should have soft, peat-filtered water. These fish prefer some plant cover and a darker gravel.
   Hardness: 6-15° dGH
   Ph: 5.5 to 7.5
   Temp: 73-81° F (23-27° C)

Social Behaviors:
   The Black Neon Tetra is ideal for a community aquarium with other peaceful fish.

Sexual Differences:
The female has a more rounded stomach (not much to go on!).

Buy Black Neon Tetras From LiveAquaria.com

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Suggested breeding conditions: pH 6.0, 4° dGH, 80° F. The Black Neon Tetras are egg layers. They freely spawn in schools or in pairs. See the description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Availability:
   The Black Neon Tetra is readily available and inexpensive.

Authors: David Brough, CFS and Clarice Brough, CFS

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Latest Comments
From my experience I don't think bettas should be with black neons since black neons like to be in shoals. I suggest having them with neon tetras like I have, also if you don't have any plants, try getting some with gravel, its better for them. Benzoca 2009-10-16
Today I bought two new neon tetras, they were so cool and they seemed fine. Then at night my mom was taking out the first dead one, then she spotted them both. I was told they get along, with a betta and neon tetras. I was so disappointed when they died but I'm still going to get new ones. Caitlyn 2008-09-25
I just bought 5 of these fish today and when i brought them home and floated them in the tank for 15 minutes and let them in the tank, they all started schooling together with the other 6 neon tetras i have. these fish are fun to watch swim and play with each other. i havent fed them yet so i dont know how theyll react when i put the food in the water. great addition to any community aquarium, good for begginers and experts Ryan 2006-07-07
I have 10 of these great fish along with 10 neon tetras in a 10 gallon tank. I love the way they swim around and how u can see just the neon stripes at night. They are a wonderful fish for all community tanks. I hope they may start to breed so that I can have an excuse to get a bigger tank. Jack 2005-05-31
Some of the coolest comments:
I have misjudged this wonderful fish. As i noticed the shoal of Rasboras were frightened by my shoal of Black Neon Tetras, I misunderstood the fear for agression by the Black Neon Tetras. I was gazing at them and realised that the Rasboras must have been unaccustomed by my Black Neon Tetras (as they are new to the Coummunity) thus frightened, days ago. If one spends time noticing the activities of a Community tank, one can discover that there is beauty in these tetras. Henry Chua 2003-09-12
It is always best to include some bottom feeders, to clear the bottom of leftovers, as I noticed they are often at the middle. They were a little aggressive with other Tetras. However, it is always right not to mix them with Angelfish & other bigger sized fishes. Henry Chua 2003-09-11

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