Introduction
Paracheirodon innesi, commonly known as the Neon Tetra, is a small tropical freshwater fish native to South America. It is primarily found in the lower reaches of the Río Putumayo, a major river flowing through Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, located in the western part of the Amazon basin. Unlike its close relatives, the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) and the Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans), this species appears to inhabit clear waters at higher altitudes and prefers cooler temperatures. Introduced to the aquarium hobby since the late 1930s, it has become one of the most famous and widespread fish in the industry. The species is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) due to its broad, albeit somewhat localized, distribution across well-preserved aquatic habitats; harvesting for the aquarium trade is likely not intense enough to pose a significant threat to the species.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size3 cm
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Maximum size4 cm
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Longevity5 year
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Average size3 cm
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Maximum size4 cm
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Longevity5 year
How to recognize This fish ?
This small characin features a fusiform body slightly compressed laterally, reaching a maximum size of about 4 cm (up to 2.2 cm in standard length). Its most distinctive feature is an iridescent blue-green horizontal stripe extending from the eye to the base of the adipose fin. Below this line, a bright red band begins at the midpoint of the body and extends to the base of the caudal fin, stopping abruptly before the tail. This limitation of the red area distinguishes it from Paracheirodon axelrodi, whose red band covers the entire flank.
The back is silvery to olive-brown, while the belly is silvery-white. The eyes are relatively large compared to the body size, with a silvery-gray iris and a black pupil. An albino form exists, characterized by a yellowish-orange body, a white lateral stripe, and intensely red odd fins.
Sexual dimorphism
Sex differentiation is subtle but observable in adults. Females are distinguished from males by the more curved shape of the blue lateral stripe, which follows the belly line, and by a more imposing abdomen, especially during the breeding season. Males are more slender and possess a straighter blue stripe.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in shoals
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
Gregarious species, Paracheirodon innesi is naturally found in small groups of dozens of individuals. These fish forage within the vegetation of shallow waters. In the absence of danger, the schools become less compact, and isolated individuals may be observed. Its diet is omnivorous, consisting of small worms, insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond en eau libre
Paracheirodon innesi is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water, typically above fine-leaved vegetation. Breeding is seasonal and appears modulated by the hydrological cycle: primary reproductive activity occurs during the rising water levels (often between June and July in its natural range), with a possible secondary peak late in the year. A female can lay several hundred eggs (sometimes over 2,000 in related genus species) during a spawning event lasting a few hours (2 to 4 hours). The eggs hatch in approximately 24 hours.
Harmless species
Paracheirodon innesi is harmless to humans.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The species is native to terra firme streams (non-flooded forest) with clear or blackwaters in the western Amazon. It is particularly abundant in tributaries of the Río Putumayo and the Solimões River. Although listed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and habitat resilience, the species is subject to significant commercial exploitation, notably in Colombia (Inírida region, where it is one of the most traded species alongside the Cardinal) and Brazil.
Accidental or intentional introductions have been reported in Singapore (since the 1960s), the Philippines, Canada, and Spain. Sustainable management of ornamental fisheries, including minimum catch sizes and closed seasons to protect breeding periods, is encouraged to preserve wild stocks.
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature20 - 26 °C
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pH (acidity)6 - 7.2
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gh (hardness)4 - 10
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FlowSlow
Biotope presentation
The Neon Tetra naturally resides in slightly acidic water, inhabiting shallow zones with abundant vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, branches). It frequents small forest streams and tributaries with soft, clear or black waters, characterized by marked acidity (pH 5.0 – 7.0) and very low hardness. These environments provide both hunting grounds for micro-invertebrates and refuge from predators. Water temperatures in its natural habitat generally range between 20°C and 26°C (68°F – 79°F), confirming its preference for cooler waters compared to its congeners.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume80 liters
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Population min10
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Temperature20 - 26 °C
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pH (acidity)6.8 - 7.2
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingeasy
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Robustnesstolerant
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Behaviourpeaceful
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Availabilityusual
Recommended equipment from our partners
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Aquarium
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Filtration
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the Neon Tetra
The Neon Tetra is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 20 °C and 26 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.
This species is particularly common in the aquarium trade. Animals from long-term breeding are usually acclimatized at a temperature of about 26 °C in neutral water.
Cohabitation & Environment
Being a living in shoals fish, it is advisable to install at least 10 individuals in an aquarium of 80 liters minimum (for 50 cm of frontage). Group maintenance is a prerequisite to ensure their well-being. Lonely individuals tend to quickly become stressed and become especially susceptible to disease. Although sometimes certain groups can "merge", mixing several gregarious species living in the same zone of life is not recommended if the volume is not consequent.
The Neon Tetra is a peaceful species that generally does not exhibit behavioral problems in a community aquarium.
It should be noticed that this species should not be kept with large crustaceans or fish, as it would become a prey of choice. Smaller species should preferably be inserted in the aquarium some time before the larger ones. Moreover, if you want to breed it, it is better to put them in a specific aquarium.The species enjoys a particularly vegetation-rich environment. The addition of plants will provide many useful hiding places for resting. These areas are also conducive to possible breeding in the aquarium.
Tips for feeding
The Neon Tetra is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO
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Granules
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Flakes
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Sticks
Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultymoderate
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egg-laying protectionNo
Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered moderate. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 24 ° C for a pH of 6 .
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To go further
Species of the same family
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Partner websites
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Benoit Chartrer
Bibliographic references
- GBIF — Paracheirodon innesi
- iNaturalist — Paracheirodon innesi
- The food spectrum of the cardinal - tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi, Characidae) in its natural habitat — Ilse Walker — Scielo —
- Topological and histological description of preoptic area and hypothalamus in cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characiformes: Characidae) — Laura Rincón — Martha J. Obando — Mario O. Tovar — Matías Pandolfi — Hernan Hurtado — Neotropical Ichthyology —
- Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans (Osteichthyes: Characidae) in the middle Rio Negro, Brazil — Bruce Gavin Marshall — Bruce Rider Forsberg — Laura Lorraine Hess — Carlos Edwar de Carvalho Freita — Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters —
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
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