Black Neon Tetra – A Striking Classic for Community Aquariums

Sleek, elegant, and easy to care for, the Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a favorite among aquarists for good reason. Its glowing white stripe and bold black band give it a high-contrast look that stands out beautifully in planted tanks — especially when kept in large, active schools. Peaceful and hardy, it’s a top pick for both beginner and seasoned hobbyists alike.

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Origins & Natural Habitat

The Black Neon Tetra is native to the Paraguay Basin in Brazil, where it lives in slow-moving blackwater tributaries rich in tannins, leaf litter, and aquatic vegetation. These soft, acidic waters with subdued lighting are ideal for bringing out this species’ best color and behavior.

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Appearance

Despite its name, the Black Neon Tetra doesn’t actually resemble the standard Neon Tetra. Instead, it sports a bright white to neon-green horizontal stripe above a velvety black band, running the length of its body. Its eyes are accented with a red upper iris, adding even more visual interest.

• Size: Up to 1.5 inches

• Coloration: Contrasting neon-white and black stripes

• Lifespan: 4–6 years with proper care

When kept in well-lit, planted tanks, their stripes shimmer against the green background, creating a dynamic and captivating look.

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Behavior & Temperament

Black Neon Tetras are peaceful, active, and social schooling fish. They thrive in groups of at least 6–8, though larger groups look even more impressive and promote natural schooling behavior. Their calm nature makes them excellent tankmates for a wide variety of fish, including:

• Corydoras

• Rasboras

• Dwarf Gouramis

• Small peaceful Barbs

• Livebearers

• Other tetras

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Aquarium Requirements

• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (20+ gallons ideal for schools)

• Temperature: 72–80°F

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Lighting: Moderate; dark substrate and floating plants enhance their coloration

• Aquascape: Planted tank with open swimming space and gentle flow preferred

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Diet

Black Neon Tetras are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods:

• High-quality flake or micro pellet food

• Frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms

• Crushed algae wafers and blanched vegetables for variety

Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. A balanced diet enhances their vibrant stripe and overall health.

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Breeding

Black Neon Tetras are egg scatterers and can be bred in captivity with proper preparation:

• Use a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water

• Provide fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop

• Adults will eat eggs, so remove them after spawning

• Fry hatch in 24–36 hours and can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food

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Final Thoughts

The Black Neon Tetra is an ideal community fish that adds movement, contrast, and serenity to any freshwater setup. Their stunning stripes, hardy nature, and peaceful personality make them a go-to choice for aquarists looking to build a balanced, eye-catching tank.