Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
As a result of its peaceful and active nature, the Black Neon tetra makes an excellent addition to any community aquarium. Maintaining these Tetras alongside non-predatory fish of similar size is best.
In order to create a dazzling shoaling effect, you should keep Black Neon Tetra in large groups of at least eight, preferably more; this way, they can form tight groups and create a focal point for your aquarium. Additionally, these fish are much more confident around their own kind. However, if left alone, these Tetras can become shy and stressed, and even lose their color.
Tetras, Hatchetfish, Pencilfish, Corydoras Catfish, and small to medium-sized Cichlids are ideal tankmates for Black Neon Tetras. As they cannot defend themselves, it is best to avoid much larger and more aggressive fish as they can easily intimidate them.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi |
| Year Described | 1961 |
| Other Names | Black Tetra |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil, Paraguay |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 6 |
| KH | 1 - 2 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 68 - 79℉ 20 - 26.1℃ | |
Natural Habitat
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Black Neon Tetra will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
2 interesting tank mate ideas for the Black Neon Tetra could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It is quite tricky to differentiate males from female Black Neon Tetras. However, their body shape can determine the sex of the fish, the females being much deeper and plumper than the males, especially when she is full of eggs.