Species profile
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Peaceful
Easy care
60 L minimum aquarium
3–4 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Hardy peaceful shoaling tetra. Keep a meaningful group with planted/wooded cover and open midwater swimming space.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
1–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.45
Non-territorial community fish. Larger groups reduce skittishness and produce better display behaviour.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Alternative names
Black Neon
Native range
Paraguay River basin of Brazil and Paraguay.
Natural habitat
Forest streams and seasonal floodwaters with vegetation, woody debris and some current.
Diet & feeding
Feed appropriately sized flakes or micro-pellets plus small frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature females are fuller-bodied; males are typically slimmer.
Breeding
Egg scatterer with no parental care. Breeding is best done in a separate dim, soft-water setup to protect eggs from adults.