Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

The Black Neon Tetra is a visually striking and peaceful freshwater species, ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Native to the Paraguay basin in southern Brazil, these fish inhabit soft, acidic waters often stained with tannins from decaying organic material. Their natural environment includes small tributaries, creeks, and flooded forest areas, making them well-suited to planted and low-light aquariums.

This small schooling fish is known for its contrasting coloration: an iridescent white to greenish stripe across the upper body paired with a deep, velvety black band below. The Black Neon Tetra adds elegance and movement to community tanks and stands out beautifully against darker substrates and soft lighting.

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Features & Advantages:

• Striking Coloration: Features a distinctive neon white-green stripe and deep black lower body, offering strong contrast and visual appeal in planted or low-light aquariums.

• Peaceful Temperament: Ideal for community tanks; compatible with other small, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, danios, gouramis, corydoras, and other tetras.

• Small Size: Grows to just over 1 inch, making it suitable for nano tanks (minimum 20 gallons recommended due to active swimming behavior).

• Schooling Behavior: Best kept in groups of six or more for natural behavior, improved wellbeing, and aesthetic impact.

• Hardy and Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of water conditions and adapts well to soft or moderately hard water, though prefers slightly acidic conditions.

• Easy Care: Low-maintenance species that thrives with regular water changes and a stable, clean environment.

• Varied Diet: Accepts flake, frozen, and live foods; benefits from a diverse diet that includes high-quality flakes, brine shrimp, and micro-worms.

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Recommended Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger

• Water Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH Range: 5.5–7.5

• Lighting: Subdued lighting preferred

• Aquascape: Dark substrate, live plants, driftwood, and leaf litter to simulate natural habitat

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate current in mid-to-upper levels of the tank

The Black Neon Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a peaceful, vibrant species to enhance the aesthetic and ecological balance of their freshwater aquarium.