Black Neon Tetras are a beautiful, peaceful fish that can be a great addition to any tank. They are schooling fish, so it's best to keep them in a tank for at least six. Because they're a voracious eater, it's important to feed them a diet consisting of meat and plant-based foods.
Despite being a schooling fish, Black Neon Tetras are low maintenance and can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about keeping Black Neon Tetras healthy and happy in your tank.
Table of Contents
Species Summary
No matter how experienced you are with fishkeeping, it's always good to do some research before adding any new fish to your tank. Black Neon Tetras are peaceful fish that can be a great addition to any tank, but you should know a few things before adding them to your aquarium.
| Scientific name: | Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi |
| Other common names: | Black Tetra |
| Size: | Up to 1.6 inches |
| Life span: | 3-5 years |
| Origin: | Paraguay basin of Southern Brazil |
| Habitat: | Inhabits mostly slow-moving streams and quiet waters with a soft mud or sand bottom |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Aquarium size: | 10 gallons or more |
| Diet: | Omnivorous |
| Tankmates: | Other small fish that are peaceful and do not like to compete for food |
| pH range: | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Temperature range: | 68°–79° Fahrenheit |
| Breeding: | Breeds easily in captivity; spawns in groups of 20-30 |
Black Neon Tetra Size & Growth Rate
The average size of a Black Neon Tetra can grow up to 1.6 inches. Black Neon Tetras grow relatively quickly and reach their adult size within a few months. But because of their small size, they are a good fish for beginner aquarists.
Black Neon Tetra Lifespan
Black Neon Tetras have a lifespan of 3-5 years. They can live up to 8 years in captivity but typically only live 3-5 years in the wild. The bodies of water they inhabit are often murky and have a low oxygen concentration, leading to a shorter lifespan. To help your fish reach its maximum lifespan, ensure that your tank has a sound filtration system and keep the water parameters within the recommended range.
Black Neon Tetra Habitat
Black Neon Tetras come from the Paraguay basin of southern Brazil. And inhabit slow-moving streams and quiet waters primarily with a soft mud or sand bottom. They prefer habitats with plenty of cover in plants, rocks, and driftwood.
They are schooling fish, so they like to live in groups. They can be found in groups of up to 100 fish in the wild.
Black Neon Tetra Appearance
Black Neon Tetras are beautiful fish with bright red bodies and black stripes. They get their name from the neon-green strip that runs down the middle of their body.
They have a torpedo-shaped body and are a deep black color. They have a silver "gill plate" that covers their gills and a silver stripe that runs from the top of their head to the base of their tail. Directly below the gold stripe is a black band that extends the entire length of their body.
Males are slightly smaller than females and have a more intense red color. They also have a black spot on their dorsal fin.
Black Neon Tetra Breeding
Black Neon Tetras frequently breed in the home aquarium. If you are interested in breeding them, it is important to provide them with a healthy diet and a spacious aquarium.
The ideal breeding conditions for Black Neon Tetras include:
- A well-Planted aquarium: This will help provide hiding places for pregnant fish.
- A spacious aquarium: At least 20 gallons is recommended.
- A well-Planted aquarium: This will help provide hiding places for pregnant fish.
- A temperature of 68°–79° Fahrenheit: This is the ideal breeding temperature for Black Neon Tetras.
- A pH of 5.0–7.0: This is the ideal pH range for Black Neon Tetras.
Black Neon Tetras will breed readily in the home aquarium and can be a great way to add more of these beautiful fish to your collection. With a little bit of care and patience, you can have a thriving breeding colony of Black Neon Tetras in no time!
Black Neon Tetra Behavior And Temperament
Black Neon Tetras are gentle, active fish that add to any aquarium. They are very social and should be kept in at least six fish schools.
They are generally peaceful fish and will not bother other fish in the aquarium. However, they may become aggressive towards other Black Neon Tetras if kept in too small of a school.
Black Neon Tetras are a popular fish for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They are easy to care for and thrive in various water conditions. With a good diet and regular aquarium maintenance, they can live for eight years.
If you are looking for a fun and active fish that is easy to care for, the Black Neon Tetra may be the perfect fish for you.
Black Neon Tetra Care Guide
Black Neon Tetra care is relatively easy. They are hardy fish and can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater tanks. This species tolerates a wide range of water conditions and can adapt to various tank setups.
This makes these fish great for both beginner and experienced fish keepers. As long as you provide them with a healthy environment, they will be happy and healthy.
Black Neon Tetra Tank Size
Let's start with tank size. Black Neon Tetras require a tank size of at least 10 gallons or more would be better. This will give them enough space to swim and explore.
Even with a small group of Tetras, larger tanks are recommended.
Water Parameters
Black Neon Tetras are tolerant of a wide range of conditions when it comes to water parameters. They can survive in freshwater or saltwater tanks and adapt to various tank setups.
Most Black Neon Tetras are found in waters that have a pH of 5.0 – 7.0 and a temperature range of 68°–79°Fahrenheit.
They are a popular fish for both freshwater and saltwater tanks with their beautiful colors. You can easily recreate their natural habitat in your tank.
Filtration
Black Neon Tetras need a sound filtration system to thrive in your tank. Filtration will help keep the water clean and clear and help maintain the correct water parameters. A sound filtration system will also help to extend the life of your fish.
Some of the famous Black Neon Tetra Filters are:
- Aquarium Filter Tetra Black Neon: This filter is for both fresh and saltwater. It has an adjustable flow rate and comes with a built-in spray bar. The Ceramic Biological Rings help to break down waste and keep your tank clean.
- Tetra Whisper Ex Silent Filter From Aquarium: This filter is for fresh and saltwater tanks. It is a power-efficient filter that is perfect for small tanks. It has a built-in noise reducer to keep your tank quiet. The filter also includes a bio-wheel and activated carbon for optimal filtration.
- Aquarium Filter Sunsun HW-302B: This filter is for both fresh and saltwater tanks. It has a built-in pump that helps to create a powerful current. The filter also includes a UV sterilizer to help keep your tank free of algae and disease. It is perfect for tanks up to 60 gallons.
Heater
Black Neon Tetras need a heater to maintain their optimal temperature range of 68°–79° Fahrenheit. Without a heater, your tank could become too cold, leading to health problems for your fish.
Most heaters are adjustable, so you can easily set the desired temperature.
Some of the famous Black Neon Tetra Heaters are:
- Marineland Precision Heating Thermostat: This heater is for fresh and saltwater tanks. It has an adjustable thermostat to help maintain the desired temperature. The heater also includes a digital thermometer to help you keep track of the temperature.
- Aquarium Heater 100w by Fluval: This heater is for fresh and saltwater tanks. It has an adjustable thermostat to help maintain the desired temperature. The heater also includes a digital thermometer to help you keep track of the temperature.
Lighting
Black Neon Tetras need a moderate amount of light. They do best in tanks with a light intensity of 3-5 watts per gallon. A good LED light will provide the right amount of light and help save on energy costs.
Some of the famous Black Neon Tetra Lights are:
- Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Light: This light is for freshwater tanks. It has a built-in timer that allows you to set the duration of the light. The light also includes moonlights and color-changing LEDs to create a beautiful display in your tank.
- Aquarium LED Lighting Hood by Marineland: This light is for fresh and saltwater tanks. It has a built-in timer that allows you to set the duration of the light. The light also includes moonlights and color-changing LEDs to create a beautiful display in your tank.
Other Tank Accessories
Besides a sound filtration system and heater, there are other tank accessories that you will need to care for your Black Neon Tetras.
- Aquarium Glass Cleaner: This cleaner is perfect for cleaning the glass in your aquarium. It has a long handle and a soft, absorbent pad to help clean the glass without scratching it.
- Aquarium Gravel Vacuum: This vacuum is perfect for cleaning the gravel in your aquarium. It has a long handle and a removable debris collector to help you clean the gravel quickly and easily.
- Aquarium Algae Magnet: This magnet is perfect for removing algae from your aquarium. It has a strong magnetic force that will attach to the algae and pull it off the glass. It is safe for use in all types of aquariums.
With the right filtration system, heater, and other tank accessories, you can easily care for your Black Neon Tetras. Keep their water clean and at the correct temperature, and they will thrive in your tank.
Setting Up The Rest Of Their Tank
Now that you have the basics down, it's time to set up the rest of their tank.
Decorations: Black Neon Tetras need a lot of decorations in their tank to help them feel comfortable and secure. You can use rocks, plants, and driftwood to create a beautiful and natural environment for them.
Plants: Black Neon Tetras love to hide in plants. You should use a variety of plants in your tank, including tall plants, floating plants, and foreground plants.
Driftwood: Driftwood is an excellent addition to any tank because it provides a lot of hiding places for your fish, and it also looks beautiful.
Rocks: Rocks are a great way to add some interest to your tank, and they also provide a lot of hiding places for your fish.
Cleaning The Tank
Before you do anything else, you will want to clean your tank. Remove all the decorations and substrates from the tank and give them a good cleaning. Scrub off any algae growing on them and rinse them thoroughly in hot water.
If you have an aquarium filter, give it a good cleaning. Rinse all the parts in hot water and ensure that the filter is running correctly.
Disease Potential
Since Black Neon Tetras are freshwater fish, they are susceptible to various diseases. The most common diseases are:
- Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (commonly known as Ich): This is a parasitic disease that can cause inflammation of the skin and gills.
- Fin Rot: This bacterial infection causes the fins to rot and disintegrate.
- Dropsy: This is a bacterial infection that causes swelling of the body and scales.
- Enteric Redmouth Disease: This is a bacterial infection that causes the fish to have a red mouth and vomit.
- Nitrite poisoning: This is a chemical poisoning that can occur when the water has a high concentration of nitrites.
- Columnaris: This is a bacterial infection that causes lesions on the body.
- Cryptocaryon irritans (commonly known as Marine White Spot): This is a parasitic disease that can cause white spots to develop on the body and fins.
- Pseudomonas fluorescens: This bacterial infection can cause the fish to have a cloudy eye.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (commonly known as Bluegreen Algae): This is an algae that can cause the water to turn green and slimy.
These diseases can be treated with medication, but it is important to get them diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
You should also keep an eye out for any other unusual behavior or changes in your fish's appearance. If you notice anything that seems ordinary, take your fish to a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
There are a variety of medications available to treat the diseases listed above.
Some of the more common medications include:
- Praziquantel: This is a drug used to treat parasitic diseases such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Cryptocaryon irritans.
- Amoxicillin: This is a drug used to treat bacterial infections such as Fin Rot and Dropsy.
- Tetracycline: This is a drug used to treat bacterial infections such as Enteric Redmouth Disease and Pseudomonas fluorescens.
- Methylene blue: This drug treats parasitic diseases such as Marine White Spot and Cryptocaryon irritans.
It is important to consult with a qualified veterinarian before using these medications. Some of them can be dangerous if misused.
The most common way to administer medication is by adding it to the aquarium water. However, some medications can be given orally or by injection.
Black Neon Tetra Food & Diet
As with any other pet, providing your Black Neon Tetras with a quality diet is important to keep them healthy and happy. A good diet for them includes a variety of high-quality protein foods, such as live, frozen, and canned food.
Black Neon Tetras are carnivorous fish, and they should be fed a diet that is high in protein. A good diet for them includes:
- Live food: Such as brine shrimp, blood worms, and daphnia.
- Frozen food: Includes frozen brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, and krill.
- Canned food: Such as tuna, salmon, or sardines.
Dry flakes or pellets are also a good diet for Black Neon Tetras, but they should not be your only food source.
It is also important to only feed your fish a small amount of food at each feeding. If you give them too much food, they will become overweight and may develop health problems. And, as with any other pet, it is important to take your fish to a qualified veterinarian for regular check-ups and treatment for any diseases.
Diet Foods To Avoid
There are many foods that you should avoid feeding your Black Neon Tetras. These include:
- Feeder fish: These are fish that have been raised specifically for feeding to other fish. They are often high in fat and can contain harmful diseases.
- Goldfish food: This food is high in carbohydrates and may cause digestion problems in Black Neon Tetras.
- Flake food: This food is high in carbohydrates and may cause digestion problems in Black Neon Tetras.
- Sugar: This can be toxic to fish and should not be given to them.
It is important to remember that these are just a few of the foods that you should avoid feeding your Black Neon Tetras. To be safe, it is always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian before feeding your fish anything.
Tank Mates For Black Neon Tetra
Black Neon Tetras can be kept with various other fish, including different types of tetras, barbs, danios, and cichlids. However, it is important to remember that they are carnivorous fish and should not be fed a high carbohydrate diet.
Some good tank mates for Black Neon Tetras include:
- Tiger Barbs
- Gold Barbs
- Rosy Barbs
- Zebra Danios
- Pearl Danios
- White Cloud Minnows
- Cichlids
- Angelfish
- Oscars
- Jack Dempseys
- Neon Tetra
- Cardinal Tetra
- Rummy Nose Tetra
- Glowlight Tetra
- Dwarf Gourami
It is important to remember that not all of these fish can be kept with every other species. To be safe, it is always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian before adding any new fish to your aquarium.
Advantages Of Having Black Neon Tetras In Your Tank
- The Advantage of having Black Neon Tetras in your tank is that they are very hardy fish and can thrive in various water conditions.
- They are also very active and social fish and will add color to your aquarium.
- With a good diet and regular aquarium maintenance, they can live for five years.
- They are also very peaceful fish and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
Disadvantages Of Having Black Neon Tetras In Your Tank
The only disadvantage of having Black Neon Tetras in your tank is that they can be aggressive towards other Black Neon Tetras if they are kept in too small of a school. And, if you are breeding them, it is important to provide them with a healthy diet and a spacious aquarium.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the complete care guide for Black Neon Tetras. With a little bit of care and attention, these beautiful fish can thrive in the home aquarium. So, if you are looking for a fun and active fish that is easy to care for, the Black Neon Tetra may be the perfect fish for you!
Thank you for reading! I hope this article has been helpful.
