Neon Tetra
Classic schooler; keep in groups for security
Overview
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a Freshwater (Tropical) fish growing to about 1.5 in and living 5–8 yrs. It's peaceful and best kept in a school of its own kind. Plan a tank of at least 10–20 gal. With a typical lifespan of around 7 years, it's a shorter commitment.
Is the Neon Tetra right for you?
A good match if — you're new to fishkeeping and want a hardy species; you like the look of a moving shoal and can keep a group; you want a calm community tank.
Think twice if — you only want a single fish.
What a Neon Tetra needs from you
The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a tropical fish it needs a stable, heated tank. This is a schooling fish — keep a group, never a lone individual. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about 10–20 gal).
Key facts
- Water type
- Freshwater (Tropical)
- Scientific name
- Paracheirodon innesi
- Adult size
- 1.5 in
- Life span
- 5–8 yrs
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social needs
- schooling (6+)
- Min. tank
- 10–20 gal
- Care level
- beginner
- Notes
- Classic schooler; keep in groups for security
What it needs from you (at a glance)
| Space needed | |
| Experience needed | |
| Maintenance | |
| Time per day | |
| Need for company | |
| Handling / closeness | |
| Cost level |
What it costs
Scaled to this breed’s roughly 10 g and a ~7-year life, keeping a Neon Tetra works out at about:
Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →
Temperament (at a glance)
| Affection | no data yet |
| Energy | no data yet |
| Vocalness | |
| Trainability | no data yet |
| Tolerates alone | no data yet |