Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

Description

Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

Hardy, elegant and beautifully understated, the Black Neon Tetra is a timeless favourite among freshwater aquarists. Featuring a shimmering silver body highlighted by a bold black stripe and an iridescent white-gold line, this peaceful schooling fish adds striking contrast and constant movement to planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
  • Common name: Black Neon Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 4–5 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You're looking for a hardy community fish.
  • You enjoy active schooling species.
  • You're creating a planted or aquascaped aquarium.
  • You want an excellent beginner-friendly tetra.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep large predatory species.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
  • You want brightly coloured feature fish rather than subtle elegance.

Why choose Black Neon Tetras?

Despite their name, Black Neon Tetras are not simply a darker version of the Neon Tetra. They are a separate species admired for their bold horizontal black stripe, brilliant iridescent silver-white line and exceptional hardiness.

Their elegant colour pattern creates a striking contrast against green aquatic plants and dark substrates. When kept in schools, they move together with remarkable synchrony, producing a calming yet dynamic display throughout the middle levels of the aquarium.

Black Neon Tetras are well known for their adaptability and are often considered one of the most resilient tetra species, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Benefits

  • Distinctive black lateral stripe
  • Brilliant silver-white iridescent line
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Very hardy and adaptable
  • Ideal for planted community aquariums
  • Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 5.5–7.5
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and subdued lighting
  • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish, with larger groups displaying stronger schooling behaviour and greater confidence.
  • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain vibrant iridescence and excellent overall health.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras pygmaeus
  • Green Neon Tetras
  • Rosy Tetras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
Black Neon Tetras often look their best in aquariums with dark substrates, driftwood and lush green plants. The bold black stripe becomes more pronounced while the iridescent upper line reflects beautifully under full-spectrum LED lighting. Schools of 15 or more create one of the most elegant and natural-looking displays available in a freshwater planted aquarium.

FAQ

Are Black Neon Tetras related to Neon Tetras?

Although they share a common name and similar body shape, Black Neon Tetras are a different species. They are generally hardier than Neon Tetras and feature a distinctive black stripe with a shimmering silver-white line instead of the classic blue and red colouration.

How many Black Neon Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools display more natural behaviour, stronger schooling instincts and greater confidence.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. Black Neon Tetras thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and open swimming space, where their contrasting colours are displayed to their fullest potential.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their resilience, peaceful nature and uncomplicated care requirements make Black Neon Tetras one of the best schooling fish for beginner aquarists.

How long do Black Neon Tetras live?

With excellent care and stable water conditions, Black Neon Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

Product form

Out of stock,  

$3.95


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

    Hardy, elegant and beautifully understated, the Black Neon Tetra is a timeless favourite among freshwater aquarists. Featuring a shimmering silver body highlighted by a bold black stripe and an iridescent white-gold line, this peaceful schooling fish adds striking contrast and constant movement to planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
    • Common name: Black Neon Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 4–5 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You're looking for a hardy community fish.
    • You enjoy active schooling species.
    • You're creating a planted or aquascaped aquarium.
    • You want an excellent beginner-friendly tetra.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep large predatory species.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
    • You want brightly coloured feature fish rather than subtle elegance.

    Why choose Black Neon Tetras?

    Despite their name, Black Neon Tetras are not simply a darker version of the Neon Tetra. They are a separate species admired for their bold horizontal black stripe, brilliant iridescent silver-white line and exceptional hardiness.

    Their elegant colour pattern creates a striking contrast against green aquatic plants and dark substrates. When kept in schools, they move together with remarkable synchrony, producing a calming yet dynamic display throughout the middle levels of the aquarium.

    Black Neon Tetras are well known for their adaptability and are often considered one of the most resilient tetra species, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

    Benefits

    • Distinctive black lateral stripe
    • Brilliant silver-white iridescent line
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Very hardy and adaptable
    • Ideal for planted community aquariums
    • Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 5.5–7.5
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and subdued lighting
    • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish, with larger groups displaying stronger schooling behaviour and greater confidence.
    • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain vibrant iridescence and excellent overall health.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras pygmaeus
    • Green Neon Tetras
    • Rosy Tetras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    Black Neon Tetras often look their best in aquariums with dark substrates, driftwood and lush green plants. The bold black stripe becomes more pronounced while the iridescent upper line reflects beautifully under full-spectrum LED lighting. Schools of 15 or more create one of the most elegant and natural-looking displays available in a freshwater planted aquarium.

    FAQ

    Are Black Neon Tetras related to Neon Tetras?

    Although they share a common name and similar body shape, Black Neon Tetras are a different species. They are generally hardier than Neon Tetras and feature a distinctive black stripe with a shimmering silver-white line instead of the classic blue and red colouration.

    How many Black Neon Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools display more natural behaviour, stronger schooling instincts and greater confidence.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. Black Neon Tetras thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and open swimming space, where their contrasting colours are displayed to their fullest potential.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their resilience, peaceful nature and uncomplicated care requirements make Black Neon Tetras one of the best schooling fish for beginner aquarists.

    How long do Black Neon Tetras live?

    With excellent care and stable water conditions, Black Neon Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account

        GROUP FISH DISCOUNTS
        • Quantity exceeds stock. Available quantity may still be added to cart.