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Neon tetra
Blue stripe with red on the rear half
The pale front belly separates the neon tetra from the cardinal tetra, whose red flank extends much farther forward.
- Adult length
- Up to 3 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 21–25 °C
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- pH
- 4–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–12 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits blackwater or clearwater tributary streams of the Solimões River system.
Keep a same-species group and leave an open swimming lane. Avoid larger fish that could swallow it.
Appearance and identification
Compare the stripe endpoints as well as colour; lighting can change the apparent blue-green hue.
Same-species behaviour
Keep 8–10 or more.
Space requirements
At least 60 × 30 cm. Leave a continuous swimming lane for the group alongside shaded cover.
Diet and feeding
Offer suitably small dry foods with small live or frozen foods for variety.
Compatibility limits
Choose peaceful, similarly sized companions.
Aquarium environment
Plants and wood provide cover; retain open water and shaded areas instead of lighting the entire tank strongly.
Similar and related fish
Identification guides
Fish size explained: standard length (SL), total length (TL) and maximum records
Read the measurement label before comparing fish sizes. Learn what SL and TL mean, why a maximum record is not a typical adult size, and what to check next.
Neon tetra vs cardinal tetra: markings and care differences
Start with the extent of the red band, then assess each species’ environment and group needs. These are separate species, not colour grades of one fish.
Sources
www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25
www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22
researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22