Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) 2-3cm

Description

Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

One of the world's most iconic aquarium fish, the Neon Tetra is loved for its brilliant electric blue stripe, vibrant red lower body and peaceful schooling nature. Small, colourful and easy to care for, these South American classics bring life, movement and dazzling colour to planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi
  • Common name: Neon Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 2–2.5 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 3.5–4 cm
  • Tank size: 45L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 10+ recommended

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You're starting your first community aquarium.
  • You love colourful schooling fish.
  • You're building a planted or aquascaped aquarium.
  • You want an active yet peaceful species that suits a wide range of community tanks.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep large predatory or aggressive fish.
  • Your aquarium is newly established and not yet biologically stable.
  • You prefer larger feature fish over schooling species.

Why choose Neon Tetras?

The Neon Tetra has earned its reputation as one of the most popular freshwater fish in the world. Its brilliant iridescent blue stripe runs from the nose to the adipose fin, while the vibrant red lower body creates an unmistakable splash of colour that has captivated aquarists for decades.

Native to the blackwater tributaries of the Amazon Basin, Neon Tetras thrive in mature planted aquariums with gentle water movement, driftwood and subdued lighting. Their shimmering colours become even more vibrant against dark substrates and lush green plants.

When kept in large schools, Neon Tetras display beautiful synchronised swimming behaviour, creating an ever-changing ribbon of blue and red throughout the middle of the aquarium.

Benefits

  • Iconic electric blue and red colouration
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Perfect for planted community aquariums
  • Small size suits nano aquariums
  • Peaceful and beginner friendly
  • One of the most recognised freshwater aquarium fish worldwide

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–26°C
  • pH: 5.5–7.0
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, soft and stable with gentle filtration
  • Setup: Mature planted aquarium with driftwood, floating plants and open swimming areas
  • Always keep in schools of at least 10 fish for natural behaviour and reduced stress.
  • Neon Tetras are sensitive to unstable water conditions, so they are best introduced to established aquariums rather than newly cycled tanks.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras pygmaeus
  • Glowlight Tetras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Otocinclus
  • Cherry Shrimp
NTA Insight:
Neon Tetras are at their absolute best in mature planted aquariums with dark substrates and subdued lighting. Their iridescent blue stripe reflects light from almost every angle, while the vivid red lower body creates a spectacular schooling display. Groups of 20 or more produce one of the most iconic scenes in the freshwater aquarium hobby.

FAQ

How many Neon Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 10 fish together. Larger schools display stronger natural schooling behaviour, reduced stress and a far more impressive visual display.

What's the difference between Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras?

Neon Tetras have a red stripe that extends from the middle of the body to the tail, while Cardinal Tetras have a red stripe that runs almost the full length of the body. Cardinal Tetras also prefer slightly warmer, softer water.

Can Neon Tetras live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and stable water conditions that closely resemble their natural Amazon habitat.

Are Neon Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are an excellent beginner species when introduced into a mature, stable aquarium with good water quality and appropriate tank mates.

How long do Neon Tetras live?

With proper care, stable water quality and a varied diet, Neon Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) 2-3cm

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Free pickup in our shop(s)
šŸ“ In-Store Locations: TT14
šŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 26 March 2026

 

$3.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

    One of the world's most iconic aquarium fish, the Neon Tetra is loved for its brilliant electric blue stripe, vibrant red lower body and peaceful schooling nature. Small, colourful and easy to care for, these South American classics bring life, movement and dazzling colour to planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi
    • Common name: Neon Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 2–2.5 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 3.5–4 cm
    • Tank size: 45L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 10+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You're starting your first community aquarium.
    • You love colourful schooling fish.
    • You're building a planted or aquascaped aquarium.
    • You want an active yet peaceful species that suits a wide range of community tanks.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep large predatory or aggressive fish.
    • Your aquarium is newly established and not yet biologically stable.
    • You prefer larger feature fish over schooling species.

    Why choose Neon Tetras?

    The Neon Tetra has earned its reputation as one of the most popular freshwater fish in the world. Its brilliant iridescent blue stripe runs from the nose to the adipose fin, while the vibrant red lower body creates an unmistakable splash of colour that has captivated aquarists for decades.

    Native to the blackwater tributaries of the Amazon Basin, Neon Tetras thrive in mature planted aquariums with gentle water movement, driftwood and subdued lighting. Their shimmering colours become even more vibrant against dark substrates and lush green plants.

    When kept in large schools, Neon Tetras display beautiful synchronised swimming behaviour, creating an ever-changing ribbon of blue and red throughout the middle of the aquarium.

    Benefits

    • Iconic electric blue and red colouration
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Perfect for planted community aquariums
    • Small size suits nano aquariums
    • Peaceful and beginner friendly
    • One of the most recognised freshwater aquarium fish worldwide

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–26°C
    • pH: 5.5–7.0
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, soft and stable with gentle filtration
    • Setup: Mature planted aquarium with driftwood, floating plants and open swimming areas
    • Always keep in schools of at least 10 fish for natural behaviour and reduced stress.
    • Neon Tetras are sensitive to unstable water conditions, so they are best introduced to established aquariums rather than newly cycled tanks.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras pygmaeus
    • Glowlight Tetras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Otocinclus
    • Cherry Shrimp
    NTA Insight:
    Neon Tetras are at their absolute best in mature planted aquariums with dark substrates and subdued lighting. Their iridescent blue stripe reflects light from almost every angle, while the vivid red lower body creates a spectacular schooling display. Groups of 20 or more produce one of the most iconic scenes in the freshwater aquarium hobby.

    FAQ

    How many Neon Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 10 fish together. Larger schools display stronger natural schooling behaviour, reduced stress and a far more impressive visual display.

    What's the difference between Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras?

    Neon Tetras have a red stripe that extends from the middle of the body to the tail, while Cardinal Tetras have a red stripe that runs almost the full length of the body. Cardinal Tetras also prefer slightly warmer, softer water.

    Can Neon Tetras live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and stable water conditions that closely resemble their natural Amazon habitat.

    Are Neon Tetras suitable for beginners?

    Yes. They are an excellent beginner species when introduced into a mature, stable aquarium with good water quality and appropriate tank mates.

    How long do Neon Tetras live?

    With proper care, stable water quality and a varied diet, 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.

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