


The Black Neon Tetra is one of those little fish that grabs your eye straight away. Jet-black body, bright white stripe running down the side, and that glowing reddish-orange eye — it’s a simple combo but looks sharp under aquarium lights. Peaceful, active, and always moving in schools, they’re a favorite for planted tanks and community setups.
These guys come from the Paraguay basin down in South America. Out there, they hang around shaded streams full of plants and tree roots. In aquariums, they don’t get big — about 4 cm (1.5 inches) tops — but the black-and-white contrast plus the eye glow makes them really pop, even in a busy tank.
Keep them in groups of six or more if you want the full effect. When they school together, it’s like the tank has a pulse. With decent water conditions and a bit of care, they’ll live for around 5 years, sometimes longer if you keep things steady.
They’re super peaceful, not aggressive at all, and they don’t fuss about food. Flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp — they’ll chow down on most things. Because they’re hardy and easy-going, they work for both beginners and experienced aquarists who just want a colorful, stress-free fish.
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Common Name: Black Neon Tetra
Origin: Paraguay Basin, Southern Brazil
Size: Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches)
Lifespan: 5 years with proper care
Temperament: Peaceful; thrives in schools of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)
pH Level: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Up to 6 dGH
Minimum Tank Size: 38 liters (10 gallons).
That black-and-white stripe with glowing red eyes looks striking in tanks
Super peaceful and easy-going — great community fish
Hardy and adaptable, a good choice for beginners
Schooling behavior makes them active and fun to watch
Look especially sharp against darker substrates and planted aquascapes
Aquascape: Dense plants, driftwood, and some open swimming space
Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel to boost their colors
Filter: Gentle to moderate flow works fine
Light: Subdued or moderate — highlights their stripes best
Cover: Keep a lid, as they can jump when startled
Dwarf Cichlids
(Avoid aggressive or much bigger fish that might bully them)
Staple: Quality flakes or micro-pellets
Extras: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia (live or frozen), a couple of times per week
Feeding: 1–2 times daily, just enough for them to clear in a few minutes
Always keep them in schools of at least 6+
Weekly water changes (25–30%) keep them healthy
Darker tanks and a varied diet help bring out their glow
Keep an eye out for stress — faded stripes or weird swimming are early signs
Quarantine new fish before mixing them into your tank
Q1: Can Black Neon Tetras live alone?
Nope, they’re schooling fish. Keep at least 6 together.
Q2: Do they need a heater?
Yes, they like warm, steady temps between 23–27 °C.
Q3: Are Black Neon Tetras aggressive?
Not at all, they’re calm and community-safe.
Q4: How long do they live?
Around 5 years if looked after properly.
Q5: How big do they get?
Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches).
Q6: Can they live with Neon Tetras?
Yep, they mix fine and often swim near each other.
Q7: What’s the price of Black Neon Tetras?
At Fish Hut Aqua, Price for 1 Black Neon Tetra is $7.95each
Black Neon Tetra – Peaceful, Hardy & Striking
A hardy schooling fish with bold stripes and glowing eyes. Perfect for planted or community aquariums. Order your Black Neon Tetras today from Fish Hut Aqua
Thanks for subscribing!
This email has been registered!