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This very popular freshwater tetra comes from the clear water streams of South America. Generally iridescent blue with a bright red tail, the Neon Tetra is a peaceful fish that will make a great addition to a community aquarium.

The Neon Tetra adds beauty to a planted aquarium; the plants, in turn, will provide plenty of hiding spaces and security for the fish. Rocks and driftwood also help to mirror its natural habitat. The Neon Tetra thrives in slightly acidic water and will do best when water parameters are kept constant.

To breed Neon Tetras, separate a pair into a "breeding tank" with no lighting at first, and then gradually increase it until spawning occurs. Water hardness should be less than 4 degrees and live food such as mosquito larvae are great inducers. Be sure to remove the adults after the eggs have been laid, as they will eat them. The eggs should hatch within 30 hours.

The Neon Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.

Ideal tank mates include: Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Discus, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Plecos and small Scavenger Catfish.