Black Neon Tetra – Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

The Black Neon Tetra is one of those little fish that grabs your eye straight away. Jet-black body, bright white stripe running down the side, and that glowing reddish-orange eye — it’s a simple combo but looks sharp under aquarium lights. Peaceful, active, and always moving in schools, they’re a favorite for planted tanks and community setups.

Product Description

These guys come from the Paraguay basin down in South America. Out there, they hang around shaded streams full of plants and tree roots. In aquariums, they don’t get big — about 4 cm (1.5 inches) tops — but the black-and-white contrast plus the eye glow makes them really pop, even in a busy tank.

Keep them in groups of six or more if you want the full effect. When they school together, it’s like the tank has a pulse. With decent water conditions and a bit of care, they’ll live for around 5 years, sometimes longer if you keep things steady.

They’re super peaceful, not aggressive at all, and they don’t fuss about food. Flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp — they’ll chow down on most things. Because they’re hardy and easy-going, they work for both beginners and experienced aquarists who just want a colorful, stress-free fish.

Features

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

• Common Name: Black Neon Tetra

• Origin: Paraguay Basin, Southern Brazil

• Size: Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches)

• Lifespan: 5 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful; thrives in schools of 6 or more

• Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

  • pH Level: 5.5–7.5

  • Hardness: Up to 6 dGH

• Minimum Tank Size: 38 liters (10 gallons).

Why Keep Black Neon Tetras?

• That black-and-white stripe with glowing red eyes looks striking in tanks

• Super peaceful and easy-going — great community fish

• Hardy and adaptable, a good choice for beginners

• Schooling behavior makes them active and fun to watch

• Look especially sharp against darker substrates and planted aquascapes

Tank Setup

• Aquascape: Dense plants, driftwood, and some open swimming space

• Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel to boost their colors

• Filter: Gentle to moderate flow works fine

• Light: Subdued or moderate — highlights their stripes best

• Cover: Keep a lid, as they can jump when startled

Which Fish Can Live With Black Neon Tetras?

• Guppies

• Corydoras Catfish

• Rasboras

• Small Gouramis

• Dwarf Cichlids

(Avoid aggressive or much bigger fish that might bully them)

What Do They Eat?

• Staple: Quality flakes or micro-pellets

• Extras: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia (live or frozen), a couple of times per week

• Feeding: 1–2 times daily, just enough for them to clear in a few minutes

Care Tips You Should Know

• Always keep them in schools of at least 6+

• Weekly water changes (25–30%) keep them healthy

• Darker tanks and a varied diet help bring out their glow

• Keep an eye out for stress — faded stripes or weird swimming are early signs

• Quarantine new fish before mixing them into your tank

FAQs

Q1: Can Black Neon Tetras live alone?

Nope, they’re schooling fish. Keep at least 6 together.

Q2: Do they need a heater?

Yes, they like warm, steady temps between 23–27 °C.

Q3: Are Black Neon Tetras aggressive?

Not at all, they’re calm and community-safe.

Q4: How long do they live?

Around 5 years if looked after properly.

Q5: How big do they get?

Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches).

Q6: Can they live with Neon Tetras?

Yep, they mix fine and often swim near each other.

Q7: What’s the price of Black Neon Tetras?

At Fish Hut Aqua, Price for 1 Black Neon Tetra is $7.95each

Black Neon Tetra – Peaceful, Hardy & Striking

A hardy schooling fish with bold stripes and glowing eyes. Perfect for planted or community aquariums. Order your Black Neon Tetras today from Fish Hut Aqua