TankNeon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
- Care level
- easy
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, micro-pellet, and occasional live/frozen food
- Minimum tank size
- 10 gallon
- Adult size
- 1.5 in
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Schooling minimum
- 6+
- Temperature
- 70-81°F
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Hardness
- Soft to moderately hard
Example species record for template validation — pending Phase 1 scientific-source citation before publication.
Compatible tankmates
Amano Shrimp
Amano Shrimp are larger and more robust than cherry shrimp, and are rarely bothered by peaceful mid-water tetras.
ConditionalBetta
Works with a calm individual betta in a well-planted 10+ gallon tank, but some bettas will chase or nip tetras — always have a backup plan to separate them.
ConditionalCherry Shrimp
Adult cherry shrimp are generally safe, but neon tetras will eat shrimplets — expect the shrimp population to plateau rather than grow if breeding matters to you.
CompatibleCorydoras (Panda Cory)
Classic community pairing — Corydoras stay near the substrate while Neon Tetras school in open water, so they rarely compete for space or food.
CompatibleGuppy
Both peaceful schooling fish with overlapping temperature and diet needs — a common beginner community pairing.
CompatibleHarlequin Rasbora
Two peaceful mid-water schooling species that occupy the same zone without competing aggressively — a common mixed-shoal community pairing.