Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A peaceful South American schooling tetra with a dark body and luminous white-gold stripe — hardy, active and an excellent choice for a planted community aquarium.
Difficulty
Beginner
Min tank size
38 L / 10 gal
Temperament
Peaceful, active
Diet type
Omnivore
Adult size
3.5–4 cm / 1.4–1.6 in
Lifespan
3–5 years
Water type
Freshwater
Black neon tetra at a glance
| Scientific name | Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi |
|---|---|
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae (characins) |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origin | Brazil — Rio Paraguay / Mato Grosso region |
| Adult size | About 3.5–4 cm (1.4–1.6 in) |
| Tank size (min) | 38 L / 10 gal; 75 L / 20 gal long is better for a larger school |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) |
| pH range | 5.0–7.5 |
| Water hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
| Diet | Omnivore — flakes, micro-pellets, frozen and live foods |
| Temperament | Peaceful schooling fish |
| Care level | Beginner |
Overview
The black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a small freshwater characin from Brazil. It is named for the striking horizontal band that runs along the body: a bright white to silvery stripe sits above a darker blackish stripe, producing a glowing effect under aquarium lighting. Despite the similar common name, it is not the same species as the classic neon tetra.
Black neon tetras are peaceful, active schooling fish that look best in groups and are particularly effective in planted aquariums with a dark substrate, subdued lighting and open midwater swimming space. They are adaptable and relatively easy to keep, but their small size means they should not be housed with large predators or overly aggressive community fish.
Black neon tetra size & lifespan
How big do black neon tetras get?
Adult black neon tetras generally reach about 3.5–4 cm (1.4–1.6 in). Females often look slightly fuller through the abdomen, particularly when mature and carrying eggs, while males are usually slimmer.
How long do black neon tetras live?
A typical aquarium lifespan is around 3–5 years when the fish receive stable water conditions, a varied diet and enough companions. Poor water quality, chronic stress, overcrowding and unsuitable tankmates can shorten that lifespan considerably.
Natural habitat & origin
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi is native to Brazil, where it occurs in the Paraguay River basin and surrounding waters of the Mato Grosso region. Its natural environment is associated with warm freshwater habitats, vegetation and relatively subdued conditions.
Aquarium specimens are commonly captive-bred. A planted aquarium with shaded areas, wood, leaf litter or other cover can reproduce some of the visual character of its natural environment while still providing an open lane for schooling.
Black neon tetra tank size & requirements
A 10-gallon (38 L) aquarium is a practical minimum for a small school, but a 20-gallon-long (75 L) aquarium is a much better choice for a group because it gives the fish a longer swimming footprint. Use a tight-fitting lid because small tetras can jump when startled.
How many black neon tetras in a 5, 10 or 20 gallon tank?
Stock them as a school rather than as isolated individuals. A 5-gallon tank is not recommended for a proper school. A 10-gallon tank can house a small group of around six, while a 20-gallon-long aquarium is the preferred footprint for roughly eight to twelve, with additional compatible fish if filtration, swimming space and maintenance allow.
| 5 gal (19 L) | Not recommended for a proper school. A 10-gallon or larger aquarium provides better swimming room and stability. |
|---|---|
| 10 gal (38 L) | About 6 black neon tetras — a practical minimum group in a suitably filtered aquarium. |
| 20 gal long (75 L) | 8–12 black neon tetras — a better footprint for natural schooling behaviour and a planted community. |
| 29 gal (110 L) | 10–15 black neon tetras, with room for compatible peaceful tankmates. |
| 55 gal (208 L) | A large school of 15–25 or more can become a striking midwater feature alongside appropriately sized community fish. |
Water parameters
| Temperature | 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | Soft to moderately hard water |
| Filtration turnover | Moderate circulation with good oxygenation and no excessive turbulence |
Use gentle to moderate flow, stable filtration and plenty of cover. Live plants, driftwood and floating plants can create shaded areas while leaving an open central swimming lane. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry; stability is more important than chasing a particular “perfect” number.
Not sure how many litres your tank actually holds? Check it with the aquarium volume calculator.
What do black neon tetras eat? Diet & feeding
Black neon tetras are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes, fine granules and micro-pellets. Feed small portions once or twice daily and aim to give only what the group can consume quickly. Their small mouths make appropriately sized foods important.
For variety, offer frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms or similar small foods periodically. A varied diet supports colour, growth and conditioning for breeding. Because they are active midwater feeders, slow-sinking foods work particularly well in a community aquarium.
Black neon tetra tank mates & compatibility
Black neon tetras are peaceful community fish and should be kept in a school. A group of six is a reasonable minimum; larger groups usually show more confident and natural behaviour. Choose tankmates that are peaceful, appropriately sized and comfortable with similar tropical water conditions.
Are black neon tetras aggressive? No. Brief chasing within the school is normal social behaviour. Persistent chasing, hiding, clamped fins or damaged fins usually indicate an unsuitable community, insufficient space or another stressor.
Good black neon tetra tank mates
- Harlequin and other peaceful rasboras with overlapping water requirements
- Corydoras catfish suited to the same temperature range
- Small peaceful tetras and other similarly sized schooling fish
- Honey gouramis and other calm community fish where stocking and temperament fit
- Kuhli loaches in mature, appropriately sized aquariums
- Small peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that will not compete aggressively for food
- Other black neon tetras — keep the species in a proper school rather than singly
Avoid
- Large predatory fish that can swallow or harass small tetras
- Aggressive or highly territorial cichlids
- Very boisterous fish that constantly chase or outcompete small tetras
- Slow, delicate long-finned fish if the community becomes too active or nippy
How to breed black neon tetras
Black neon tetras are egg-scattering fish. They do not provide parental care, and adults may eat eggs if they remain accessible. Mature females are typically fuller-bodied than males, making sexing easier when the fish are viewed from above.
For a dedicated breeding attempt, use a separate shallow spawning aquarium with soft, clean water, subdued lighting and a mesh, spawning mop or fine-leaved plants that allow eggs to fall away from the adults. Condition the breeders with varied live or frozen foods before introducing them. Once spawning has occurred, remove the adults and keep the eggs protected in dim light. Raise the fry on appropriately tiny first foods, then progress to baby brine shrimp and other suitably sized foods as they grow.
Exact breeding parameters can vary between populations and breeding lines, so stable water quality and careful observation are more useful than making abrupt changes to chase a single target value.
Naming confusion & buyer’s notes
The name “black neon tetra” is sometimes confused with the classic neon tetra. Always check the scientific name on a listing when accuracy matters.
Black neon tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi. The body has a characteristic bright stripe over a dark stripe and the species is generally peaceful and social.
Neon tetra
Paracheirodon innesi. A different species and genus. Its familiar blue and red colour pattern is the source of much of the common-name confusion.
Cardinal tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi. Another distinct species. Cardinal tetras generally show red colour extending farther along the body than neon tetras.
Buying tip
Choose active fish with intact fins, clear eyes, normal swimming and good body condition. Avoid tanks containing obviously sick or lethargic fish and quarantine new arrivals when practical.
Black neon tetra FAQ
- How long do black neon tetras live?
- Black neon tetras commonly live around 3–5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. Stable water quality, a varied diet, good filtration and keeping them in a proper school all help reduce chronic stress and support a normal lifespan.
- How big do black neon tetras get?
- Adult black neon tetras usually reach roughly 3.5–4 cm (1.4–1.6 in). Females are generally a little fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to look slimmer.
- How many black neon tetras should be kept together?
- Keep at least six together, with larger groups generally looking and behaving more naturally. A school of eight to twelve is an excellent target for a 20-gallon-long aquarium.
- How many black neon tetras can live in a 10 or 20 gallon tank?
- A 10-gallon aquarium can work for a small school of about six when filtration and maintenance are appropriate. A 20-gallon-long aquarium is preferable and can comfortably provide room for around eight to twelve black neon tetras plus suitable peaceful tankmates.
- Are black neon tetras aggressive?
- No. Black neon tetras are generally peaceful community fish. They may chase one another briefly as part of normal schooling and social behaviour, but persistent aggression is not typical. Problems are more likely when they are kept in very small groups or housed with aggressive fish.
- What do black neon tetras eat?
- They are omnivores and readily accept quality tropical flakes, small pellets and micro-pellets. Regular supplementation with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp and bloodworms provides variety and helps maintain condition.
- Do black neon tetras need a heater?
- Usually yes in a typical room-temperature home aquarium, especially if the room regularly drops below their preferred tropical range. A reliable adjustable heater helps keep the water stable rather than allowing large daily temperature swings.
- Can black neon tetras live with bettas?
- They can sometimes coexist in a carefully planned community, but it is not automatically a good pairing. Bettas vary individually, and black neon tetras are active schooling fish. Use a sufficiently large, planted aquarium and have a backup plan if either fish becomes stressed or aggressive.
- Are black neon tetras the same as neon tetras?
- No. Black neon tetra is Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, while the common neon tetra is Paracheirodon innesi. They are both small South American characins and have similar schooling lifestyles, but they are different species and genera.
- Are black neon tetras easy for beginners?
- Yes. They are generally hardy, peaceful and adaptable when kept in a proper school with stable, clean water. They are a good beginner choice for a mature community aquarium, especially when provided with plants, open swimming space and appropriately sized tankmates.