Neon tetra - Paracheirodon innesi

Neon Tetras have been a staple of the freshwater aquarium hobby for decades, and for good reason. Not only are Neons strikingly beautiful with the iridescent blue and red patterning, they're also very easy to keep, and make an excellent community fish.     

Care

Neon Tetras grow to 1.25 inches, and should be kept in schools of 6 or more in aquariums of 10 gallons or larger. They are active swimmers, and will usually be found in open water, though they prefer to have plant cover to escape into should they feel threatened. Neons generally prefer soft and acidic water, though decades of captive breeding have made them very adaptable to common aquarium water chemistry. They are a very peaceful species, and shouldn't be kept with larger more aggressive species such as Angelfish, which are known to prey on Neons in the wild.     

Diet

Neon Tetras aren't picky eaters, and should readily accept prepared flake or pellet foods in addition to frozen or live options.