What tank size does a Neon Tetra need?

A Neon Tetra needs an aquarium of at least 60 litres (15.9 US gallons) with a footprint at least 60 cm (23.6 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.

What water parameters does a Neon Tetra need?

Neon Tetra does best at 20–26 °C (68–78.8 °F), pH 4–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–10 °dGH.

What group size does a Neon Tetra need?

Neon Tetra is a social species — keep a group of at least 6 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.

Is the Neon Tetra suitable for beginners?

Yes — Neon Tetra is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Species library

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Characidae

FishDifficulty: ●●○○○Data: well-established

📷 Holger Krisp · CC BY 3.0 · resized · Wikimedia Commons

Neon Tetra — Paracheirodon innesi — 📷 Holger Krisp · CC BY 3.0 · resized · Wikimedia Commons

About

The neon tetra is a small, iconic shoaling characin from the blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the upper Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. Its brilliant electric-blue lateral stripe and red posterior half make it one of the most recognisable aquarium fish in the world. Peaceful and undemanding once acclimated, it thrives in soft, slightly acidic, well-planted tanks kept in groups.

Care

Keep in shoals of 6+ (ideally 10+) in soft, slightly acidic water with gentle flow and plenty of planting. Avoid large or boisterous tankmates.

Diet

Micro-omnivore that grazes small invertebrates and organic matter; feed small dry foods plus frequent frozen/live micro-foods.

Tankmate compatibility

Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.

Full tank-mates guide with reasons →

Telling males from females

What works for this species, most reliable first.

Belly depthA hint only · only on well-fed adults, and only as a comparison
For most tetras, barbs and rasboras this is all there is: a conditioned female is deeper through the belly than a male of the same length.

All the methods, with diagrams

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Frequently asked questions

What tank size does a Neon Tetra need?: A Neon Tetra needs an aquarium of at least 60 litres (15.9 US gallons) with a footprint at least 60 cm (23.6 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
What water parameters does a Neon Tetra need?: Neon Tetra does best at 20–26 °C (68–78.8 °F), pH 4–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–10 °dGH.
What group size does a Neon Tetra need?: Neon Tetra is a social species — keep a group of at least 6 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
Is the Neon Tetra suitable for beginners?: Yes — Neon Tetra is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Sources

Water & tank

Temperature20–26°C

Optimal temp.22–24°C

pH4–7.5

Hardness (GH)1–10°d

Carbonate (KH)0–6°d

Adult size3.5 cm

Min. volume≥ 60 L

Min. tank length≥ 60 cm

Group size≥ 6

Swimming zoneMid

TemperamentPeaceful

Water typeFreshwater

FlowLow

Lifespan~5 yrs

Try in the calculator