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Black Neon TetraFamily: Characidae Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More 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... (more) Jack A school of Black Neon Tetras set in an aquarium with plants and a dark substrate makes a striking show!Black Neon Tetra Contents 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: |
Habitat: Distribution / Background
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.
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
- Social Grouping: Groups - Best kept in schools.
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
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.
- Maximum Size: 2.0 inches (5.08 cm)
- Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
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.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Monthly
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.
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gal (76 L) - This fish requires at least twenty gallons and a half dozen of its kind to school with.
- Substrate Type: Any - They appreciate a darker colored gravel.
- Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting - Subdued lighting and a dark, shadowy set up bring out the best of the iridescence of their coloration.
- Temperature: 75.0 - 82.0° F (23.9 - 27.8° C)
- Range ph: 5.0-7.5
- Hardness Range: 6 - 15 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: All
The Black Neon Tetra is ideal for a community aquarium with other peaceful fish.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
The female has a more rounded stomach (not much to go on!).
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.
- Ease of Propagation: Easy - Live foods and peat filter water will encourage this fish to spawn.
The Black Neon Tetra is readily available and inexpensive.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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