Black neon tetra

Behaviour and habits

The black neon tetra is a calm, slim, undemanding shoaler whose bright horizontal stripe runs above a dark band, glowing against plants. It schools loosely in mid-water, keeps to itself and never nips, making it one of the most peaceable tetras you can keep. In a group of six or more it stays out in the open and looks its best, while in ones and twos it becomes shy and pale — so the group is central to its care. It is an easy, forgiving fish for a beginner's planted community.

What to feed, and how often

Micro-pellets, crushed flake and small frozen foods such as daphnia all suit it, and it feeds gently at mid-water. Offer one or two light meals a day, keeping the food small, and make sure it drifts to the shoal — the black neon is an unhurried feeder that can be out-competed by bolder tankmates if food is gone in seconds.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 25% weekly in soft-to-neutral water, matched closely. It is hardy and adaptable but prefers a mature, stable tank, and it dislikes sudden swings, so avoid large or cold water changes and keep the temperature steady.

Care and how easy it is

An easy, hardy first tetra; keep a group of six or more and it settles quickly, staying calm and colourful in a planted community.

Common health problems

Generally healthy; ich and fin rot follow cold or dirty water rather than any inherent weakness.

If it gets sick

Keep the tank warm, clean and stable, and treat the rare infection early rather than waiting for it to spread through the shoal.