Black Neon Tetra

Do you want to add some excitement to your aquarium?

If so, consider adding black neon tetra! These fish are vibrant and fun, and they will add a pop of color to any tank.

In this article, we will discuss the care and feeding of black neon tetras.

We will also provide tips on how to keep them healthy and happy in your aquarium.

Characteristics

Scientific Name	Hyphessobrycon Herbertaxelrodi
Common Names	Black Neon Tetra
Family	Characidae
Origin	South-eastern Colombia, Eastern Peru and Western Brazil.
Aggression	Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Breeding	Egg Scatterer
Size	1,57 inches
Life Span	About 3-5 years
Diet	Omnivore
pH	5.5 to 7.5
Temperature	Range of 68-82.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Black Neon Tetra Origins

The Black Neon Tetra is a freshwater fish native to the South American blackwater rivers. These rivers are located in south-eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil.

In their native habitats, black neon tetras prefer flooded jungle regions, little streams, and sandbars.

Black neon tetras prefer stained brown water that has become acidic due to decaying plant material.

What Are the Features of Black Neon Tetra?

Appearance

The beautiful neon tetras are the brightest fish in their natural surroundings.

These fish are tiny and thin, resembling their brighter siblings, and they have a torpedo-shaped body with a rounded head and translucent fins.

The Black Neon Tetra’s primary color is somewhat modest. They frequently have a greenish tinge to them.

Two bright stripes are complemented with the base hue. The first is a thin strip of iridescent white that glimmers in the light.

Immediately beneath it is a thicker band of black, which provides the fish its name. Both stripes run parallel to one another along the fish’s entire body from gill cover to tail fin base.

This coloration makes it an ideal contrast fish and sets it apart from other similarly sized tetras.

Weight & Length

The average length of a full-grown Black Neon Tetra is about 1.5 inches. Sometimes specimens grow to be 1.6 inches long, however, it’s unusual.

Because of their compact size, it might be difficult to distinguish between big fish and little ones! The easiest method to determine is by looking at their weight.

Large Black Neon Tetras are usually around 2 grams in weight, while tiny ones will most likely be less than 1 gram.

Black Neon Tetra Lifespan

In general, their lifespan is around 3-5 years. There are no certainties, however.

While this species is noted for its resilience, failure to provide the essentials may significantly shorten its life span. To allow your fish to reach its maximum potential, you must give it the best possible environment, food, and care.

Is Black Neon Tetra Hardy?

Yes, the Black Neon Tetra is a hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of aquarium conditions.

They’re also simple to feed, since they adapt readily to many aquarium circumstances.

This fish is fanatics for all experience levels, from beginner to expert.

How to Care for Black Neon Tetra?

1. Tank Size

Because Black Neon Tetras are less than two inches long, they do not require a huge aquarium.

A group of schooling fish, such as Black Neon Tetras, benefits from a tank size of at least 20 gallons.

2. PH Level

Tetras are very sensitive to changes in pH, so it is important to maintain a stable environment.

The ideal pH level for black neon tetras is between 5.5 and 7.0.

If the pH begins to drop, the fish will become stressed and may even die.

3. Temperature

The Black Neon Tetra is a tropical fish that prefers water with a temperature of 68-82.5 °F.

4. Lighting

Since Black Neon Tetras come from dimly lit, shaded rivers in the wild, they do not require bright light in their aquarium.

In fact, too much light can be detrimental to their health. Aquariums with low lighting levels are best for black neon tetras.

5. Filters

There are a few things to consider when choosing a Black Neon Tetra tank filter.

Firstly, you’ll want a powerful enough filter to cycle the tank efficiently. Good filtration is a must to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.

Secondly, you’ll want an easy-to-maintain and clean filter. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your filter are essential to keeping your Black Neon Tetra tank healthy and clean.

Lastly, you’ll want to choose a quiet filter that won’t disturb your fish. A quiet filter will allow your fish to rest and relax in their natural environment.

6. Tank Decoration

Adding live plants and other aquarium décor can give your Black Neon Tetras lots of hiding places and rest areas.

Java moss, narrow leaf anacharis, and driftwood are all good choices.

Ropes, blocks, and caverns may also be added to provide them with even more options. Make sure they have enough swimming room as well!

Black Neon Tetra Diet

Black neons, like other tetras, are omnivorous and consume a range of items.

The majority of their natural diet is composed of tiny invertebrates and vegetation, although they will also consume flakes, frozen food, and live worms as well.

It’s critical to provide a varied diet to black neons in order for them to live long, healthy lives and acquire vibrant colors.

Frozen brine shrimp, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tiny live worms are all excellent food options.

Black Neon Tetra Compatibility

The black neon tetra makes a great addition to almost any community aquarium. This active and colorful fish is especially compatible with other peaceful species.

Black Neon Tetra can be kept with the following fish:

• Platy
• Black Tetra
• Tiger Barb
• Dwarf Gourami
• Kuhlii Loach

Black Neon Tetra Predators:

• Larger Fish
• Large Cichilds
• Angel Fish
• Rasboras

Is Black Neon Tetra Reef Safe?

The short answer is yes, black neon tetras are reef safe!

In fact, they are considered to be one of the best fish for beginner saltwater aquariums.

They are peaceful and gentle fish that will not bother other fish or invertebrates in the tank.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that black neon tetras are known to be nippy.

This means they may try to nibble on coral or other ornamental objects in the tank.

If you have a reef aquarium, it is essential to make sure that the black neon tetras cannot reach any of the corals.

Other than that, these fish are perfectly safe for reef aquariums!

Black Neon Tetra Gender Difference

In Black Neon Netras, the male vs. female gender difference is less apparent than it is in other fish species.

On average, the female has a greater, flatter belly than the male. On the other hand, males are frequently more brightly colored than females.

When a female reaches sexual maturity, her lower abdomen fills up with eggs, which is the easiest way to tell the difference between genders.

Black Neon Tetra Breeding

If you’re looking to add some black neon tetras to your aquarium, why not try breeding them yourself?

It’s not too difficult and can be a fun project for any fish enthusiast.

As with most egg layers, the best results will come from using the healthiest, most mature fish.

Look for the brightest and fastest black neon tetras that are at least a year old.

Then, select one or two males and place them in a separate breeding tank with several females.

The breeding tank should be kept very dim – use a dark substrate and cover your tank walls with cardboard if your room is very bright. The temperature should be kept around 75 degrees F.

The black neon tetras will typically begin breeding within a few weeks.

Once the female has dropped her eggs, the male will fertilize them. The eggs will hatch within a few days, and the fry will be ready to eat small foods like brine shrimp or crushed flake food.

Possible Diseases and Prevention

Although the species are hardy. Still, they can acquire a number of the same illnesses as other tropical fish, such as Ich and Dropsy.

Luckily, those diseases are pretty easy to treat.

Black Neon Tetras usually respond well to over-the-counter medications.

The easiest approach to avoid illness is to keep tank conditions and water parameters in check. When water conditions deteriorate, most diseases affect fish.

Black Neon Tetras are susceptible to a disease called Neon Tetra Disease.

This is a parasitic infection that fish can get from other infected fish.

Once contracted, the disease is challenging to treat and often fatal.

To prevent your Black Neon Tetras from contracting this disease, it’s essential only to purchase healthy fish from a reputable source.

Additionally, quarantine any new fish before introducing them to your main tank.

This will give you a chance to observe them for any signs of illness and treat them accordingly before they have a chance to infect your other fish.

Taking these simple precautions can help ensure that your Black Neon Tetras remain healthy and disease-free.

Last Words

The Black Neon Tetra is a peaceful fish that makes a perfect addition to any aquarium.

These beautiful fish are relatively easy to care for and can live for many years with proper care.

When buying a Black Neon Tetra, be sure to purchase a healthy individual and keep it well fed and cared for.

With a little bit of love and attention, your Black Neon Tetra will thrive in your aquarium! This way you’ll enjoy many years of happiness with this beautiful fish!

We hope you have enjoyed this article as much as we did.

If you still have any questions, please share them with us in the comment section below.