Black Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Also known as: Black neon

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Hardness (GH): 36–179 ppm (2–10 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

Often mistaken for a colour form of the neon tetra, the black neon is a different and considerably hardier fish, marked not with blue and red but with a sharp horizontal band of black below a glowing greenish-gold line, over a silvery body. Crucially it is not subject to the neon tetra disease epidemic that weakens farmed neons, and it is more forgiving of water conditions, which makes it one of the most reliable small schooling tetras in the trade. Peaceful, active, and undemanding, it is an ideal beginner schooler and a calm, elegant presence in a planted community. Kept in a good-sized group it holds tight formation and shows a crisp, understated contrast that brighter fish often lack.

Tankmates

A peaceful, hardy schooling tetra for a group of at least six. Despite the name it is not a colour variant of the neon tetra but a separate, sturdier species, and a better choice than the neon for keepers who have struggled with that fish's fragility. Excellent with other small peaceful community fish, corydoras, and adult shrimp. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it. Shows its contrast best in a planted tank with subdued lighting over a dark substrate.

Compatible with

• Neon Tetra
• Cardinal Tetra
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Bronze Corydoras
• Ember Tetra
• Otocinclus
• Cherry Shrimp
• Honey Gourami

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Angelfish
• Large Cichlids
• Fin Nippers
• Tiger Barb

Common Problems

• pale colour in small groups or bright tanks
• ich
• stress from boisterous or nippy tankmates
• sensitivity to large water-quality swings

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20