{"product_id":"neon-tetra","title":"Neon Tetra","description":"\u003ch2\u003eNeon Tetra\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)\u003c\/strong\u003e are one of the most recognisable freshwater aquarium fish, with a bright electric-blue stripe and vivid red colouring that stands out beautifully in planted community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful, small and social, Neon Tetras are best kept in a school rather than individually. A larger group creates a much better display and allows them to show more natural schooling behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are an excellent choice for established tropical community aquariums containing other small, peaceful fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paracheirodon innesi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 3–4cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–26°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.0–7.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 40L for a small group, with more swimming space preferred\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 6; we prefer 8–12+ where tank size allows\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Middle\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established freshwater community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Neon Tetras?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeons are popular for good reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey give you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrilliant blue and red colour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful community behaviour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall adult size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent schooling displays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatibility with many other small tropical fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great contrast against green aquarium plants and darker substrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelatively straightforward care once the aquarium is established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA group of Neons can completely change the look of a planted aquarium without requiring a huge tank or producing a large amount of waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Many Neon Tetras Should I Keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSix is the minimum we'd recommend, but we'd much rather see 8–12 or more where the aquarium has enough space.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeon Tetras are social schooling fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping only two or three often results in fish that are more nervous and don't display the same natural group behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA larger school also simply looks better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than adding lots of different schooling species in small numbers, we often recommend choosing \u003cstrong\u003eone species and keeping a larger group\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, 12 Neon Tetras usually makes a much stronger display than three Neons, three Rasboras, three Glowlight Tetras and three other small fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Size Tank Do Neon Tetras Need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a small group, we'd look at an aquarium of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e40 litres or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e, but tank dimensions matter just as much as the litre figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeons benefit from horizontal swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're planning a larger school, move into a larger aquarium rather than simply increasing the number of fish in a very small tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA planted tank with open swimming room through the centre or front works extremely well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Should Their Aquarium Look Like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeon Tetras look and behave particularly well in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDarker substrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTanks containing driftwood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAreas of cover around the sides and rear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen swimming space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate or subdued lighting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable, established aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir blue and red colouration can look spectacular against dark substrate and healthy green plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don't need to create a strict Amazon biotope to keep them successfully, but a comfortable planted environment with stable water conditions is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Neon Tetras Good Beginner Fish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes — with one important condition: we'd rather put them into an established aquarium than a brand-new uncycled tank.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeons aren't particularly difficult fish, but they appreciate stable water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've just filled an aquarium yesterday and haven't completed the aquarium cycle, adding a school of Neon Tetras isn't the next step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMake sure the aquarium is properly cycled and that ammonia and nitrite are under control before adding livestock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the tank is established, they can make an excellent choice for someone building their first peaceful tropical community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Do Neon Tetras Eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeon Tetras are omnivores and should be offered a quality diet small enough for their mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine tropical flakes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall micro pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXtreme Nano 0.5mm Pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall frozen foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaby brine shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther appropriately sized tropical fish foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main thing is \u003cstrong\u003efood size\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pellet can be an excellent food nutritionally but still be useless if your Neon Tetras can't comfortably fit it in their mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Neons, we particularly like \u003cstrong\u003eXtreme Nano 0.5mm Pellet\u003c\/strong\u003e because the pellet is genuinely tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Much Should I Feed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed a small amount once or twice per day, offering only what the fish can comfortably consume within a few minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Neon Tetras are small, they don't need much food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the easiest ways to create water-quality problems is to feed a small school as though you're feeding much larger fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with a small amount and add a little more if everything disappears quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood Tank Mates for Neon Tetras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeon Tetras work well with many other small, peaceful community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotential tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall Rasboras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuppies and other peaceful livebearers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther peaceful small Tetras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKuhli Loaches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDwarf Gouramis in suitable setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful smaller bottom dwellers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most important rule is to avoid fish large enough to view a Neon Tetra as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fish can be peaceful and still eat something that fits comfortably into its mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Fish Should I Avoid?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe wouldn't combine Neons with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge predatory fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly aggressive cichlids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFish likely to swallow them\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtremely boisterous species that constantly stress small schooling fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways choose tank mates based on \u003cstrong\u003eadult size\u003c\/strong\u003e, not how big they happen to be when you buy them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNeon Tetra vs Cardinal Tetra\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two fish are commonly confused.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth have an electric-blue stripe and red colouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe easiest visual difference is the \u003cstrong\u003ered stripe\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a Neon Tetra, the red generally covers the rear portion of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a Cardinal Tetra, the red extends much further along the body toward the head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinals also tend to prefer slightly warmer conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth can create beautiful schooling displays, so the better choice often comes down to your aquarium temperature, overall stocking and which appearance you prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSimply Fish Recommends\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're considering buying \u003cstrong\u003esix Neon Tetras for a suitably sized aquarium, we'd seriously consider buying eight or ten instead\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are one of those fish where the group itself is the feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA proper school moving together through a planted aquarium looks significantly better than a few scattered individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also recommend introducing them to an \u003cstrong\u003eestablished, stable aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than using Neons as the first fish in a brand-new setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor food, keep it small. Xtreme Nano 0.5mm, fine flakes and suitable frozen foods all work very well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd if you're designing the tank around Neons, add plenty of live plants with some darker areas and leave open swimming space through the aquarium — their colours really pop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many Neon Tetras should I keep together?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep at least six. Where aquarium size allows, we prefer groups of 8–12 or more because they generally produce a better schooling display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep one Neon Tetra?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe don't recommend it. Neon Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept with others of their own species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Neon Tetras good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, provided the aquarium is properly cycled and stable. We wouldn't recommend putting them straight into a brand-new uncycled tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Neon Tetras get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey remain small, generally reaching around 3–4cm in aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat temperature should Neon Tetras be kept at?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe recommend approximately 22–26°C for a typical tropical aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat pH do Neon Tetras prefer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey naturally favour softer, more acidic water. A range around pH 5.0–7.0 is suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Neon Tetras live with Bettas?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey sometimes can in suitably sized, well-planted aquariums, but Betta temperament varies significantly. We'd assess the individual Betta and tank setup rather than guaranteeing compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Neon Tetras live with Guppies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenerally yes in a suitable community aquarium, provided the water conditions, aquarium size and overall stocking are appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Neon Tetras live with Corydoras?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Small Corydoras species can make excellent peaceful bottom-dwelling companions in an appropriately sized aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do Neon Tetras eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse small tropical foods such as fine flakes, 0.5mm micro pellets and appropriately sized frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are my Neon Tetras hiding?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCommon causes include a school that is too small, newly introduced fish, overly bright\/open surroundings, unsuitable tank mates or poor\/stable water conditions. Check your water parameters first if behaviour changes suddenly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Neon Tetras need live plants?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLive plants aren't compulsory, but we strongly recommend them. They provide cover and create an environment where Neons tend to look and behave their best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/a-ADh8U5W-s?si=GtxBkh2FCkPPhD1m\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Disclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll fish are usually shipped on Monday or Tuesday mornings via an overnight courier. We use NZ Couriers for all livestock shipping, we find they handle your fish with the best possible care and have quick overnight delivery nationwide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requests:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have any requests for gender\/colour etc we will do our best to accommodate them. Please note we can not always accommodate every request due to high stock turnover and what is available at the time. We move all fish sold online into separate holding tanks while they wait to be shipped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Shipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood news! If you are a rural customer, we can still ship fish to you. Your order will be shipped to your nearest NZ Couriers Depot or Collect\/Send Point and you will be phoned once it arrives. You can find your nearest depot\/point here: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nzcextras.co.nz\/nearestlocation\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/nzcextras.co.nz\/\u003cwbr\u003enearestlocation\/\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simply Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40443524743245,"sku":"","price":3.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/neon-tetra.jpg?v=1704797852","url":"https:\/\/simplyfish.co.nz\/products\/neon-tetra","provider":"Simply Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}