Black Neon Tetra

The Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a peaceful and popular freshwater fish that adds a striking contrast to any aquarium with its distinctive black and silver stripes. If you are considering keeping these fish, follow this care guide to ensure a healthy and thriving environment for them.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school of Black Neon Tetras, but a larger tank of 20 gallons or more is ideal if you plan to keep a larger group. They thrive in groups of six or more, as they are schooling fish.
• Water Conditions: The water temperature should be between 72°F and 82°F (22°C – 28°C), with a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. Regular water changes are essential to maintain high water quality, and the tank should be well-filtered but not too turbulent.
• Substrate and Plants: These tetras prefer a soft, sandy substrate and heavily planted tanks that provide plenty of hiding spots. Driftwood and low-light plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocorynes create an ideal environment that mimics their natural habitat.

Feeding

Black Neon Tetras are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet. You can provide them with high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and occasional treats such as frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed them small portions twice a day to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need without overfeeding.

Behavior and Compatibility

These tetras are peaceful fish and make great tank mates for other small, non-aggressive species such as Corydoras, Rasboras, and other tetra varieties. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish that may view them as prey. They are active swimmers and prefer a calm, stress-free environment.

Breeding

Breeding Black Neon Tetras can be a bit challenging but not impossible. Provide them with slightly acidic, soft water and a dimly lit tank. A breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop can encourage them to lay eggs. Once the eggs are laid, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. The fry will hatch in about 24 to 36 hours and can be fed infusoria or baby brine shrimp.

Common Health Issues

Black Neon Tetras are generally hardy, but like all fish, they can be prone to certain diseases such as Ich and fin rot. Keeping their water clean, avoiding stress, and providing them with a balanced diet are essential for preventing health issues. Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to avoid potential outbreaks of disease.

Purchasing Your Black Neon Tetras

If you’re ready to add Black Neon Tetras to your aquarium, you can purchase them from Petcorp Bacolod, a trusted pet store known for its high-quality aquatic pets. They offer healthy, well-cared-for tetras and other freshwater fish to help you create the perfect community tank.