Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: schooling midwater.
N
Fish · Freshwater
Neon tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
The neon tetra is a small peaceful schooling tetra. Unlike the cardinal tetra, it usually appreciates slightly cooler temperatures and is not ideal for prolonged high heat.
In mature planted aquariums it forms active, confident schools. Its welfare depends more on group size, stability and lack of predators than on spectacular decoration.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
5/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
60 L
Temperature
22.0-27.0 ºC
Zone
Midwater
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
Low
Aggression
5/10
Activity
Moderate
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
Low
Speed
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Expert calculator
Check whether this species fits your aquarium
Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Avoid
Mixes marked as high risk or not recommended in manual relationships.
Compatible with
Has positive or conditional references with species such as Angelfish.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
primary
Bottom
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Neon tetra
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 60 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.0 - 7.5
GH
3 - 15
KH
1 - 8
Temperature
22.0 - 27.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it feels safer in a group and usually uses the midwater area with coordinated movement. An insufficient group can increase stress and erratic behavior.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a strong social pattern and is more stable in adequate groups. In balanced communities it usually occupies the midwater area without causing major conflict.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Schooling Midwater
Community Fish
Small
Low
Moderate
None
Profile: midwater schooling species, with low bioload and primary use of the midwater area. It should be kept in a group to show stable behavior and reduce stress. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
24%
Aggression
50%
Activity
52%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
24%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Relations
Compatible with
✓
Angelfish
Conditional
Main risk: Predation
Review conditions
Pterophyllum scalare + Paracheirodon innesi: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.
Guppy
Conditional
Main risk: Thermal stress
Review conditions
Poecilia Reticulata + Paracheirodon innesi: water parameters are not fully compatible or only overlap within a limited range.
Siamese Fighting Fish
Conditional
Main risk: Territorial behavior
Review conditions
Betta splendens + Paracheirodon innesi: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
B
Bala shark
Conditional
Main risk: Adult space
Review conditions
Balantiocheilos melanopterus + Paracheirodon innesi: size difference, activity level or space pressure may cause stress, competition or insufficient usable room.
C
Clown loach
Conditional
Main risk: Predation
Review conditions
Chromobotia macracanthus + Paracheirodon innesi: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.
Relations
Avoid keeping with
!
Oscar
Not recommended
Main risk: Predation
Not recommended
Astronotus ocellatus + Paracheirodon innesi: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.
C
Calvus
Not recommended
Main risk: Predation
Not recommended
Altolamprologus calvus + Paracheirodon innesi: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.
G
Goldfish
Not recommended
Main risk: Thermal stress
Not recommended
Carassius auratus + Paracheirodon innesi: this combines coldwater or temperate species with tropical species that need different temperatures.
Essential care
Keep a large group, clean water and planted areas. Avoid very warm discus setups if temperature stays high year-round, and avoid adult angelfish or large cichlids when neons are small.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
Breeding is difficult in community tanks. It requires soft water, low light and egg protection. In practice it is kept for schooling behavior and color.
Oviparous
Moderate
Machos algo más esbeltos; hembras más robustas
Alerts and health
- Grupo
- Agua estable
- Cambios semanales
Common issues
Ich
Parásitos externos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una especie muy popular en acuariofilia
02
Se aprecia más cuando se mantiene correctamente
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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