Black Neon Tetra care guide
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 23-27 °C, pH 5.5-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a small characid endemic to the upper Paraguay basin in central Brazil. It is identified by twin parallel horizontal stripes — a luminous yellow-green band above a wide jet-black band — that contrast strikingly under aquarium lighting.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Habitat
Native to the Rio Taquari drainage in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The species inhabits clear forest tributaries with overhanging vegetation and dense leaf litter, where water is soft, slightly acidic and slow-moving.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-4 cm
- Temperature: 23-27 °C (73-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, zooplankton and plant fragments in the wild. In aquaria it readily accepts micro-pellets, crushed flakes and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp nauplii. Offer small portions twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling species best kept in groups of six or more in a planted, dimly lit aquarium. Compatible tankmates include Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra, Corydoras and small rasboras. Avoid boisterous or fin-nipping species and very large tankmates.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Soft acidic water (pH around 6, GH below 4) and subdued lighting trigger spawning; remove the parents after eggs are laid, as they will consume them. Fry hatch in about 24 hours.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species has a restricted but stable wild range and is widely captive-bred for the trade.
Breeding Black Neon Tetra
Overview
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi is an egg-scattering tetra with no parental care. In an established aquarium small numbers of fry may appear spontaneously, but a dedicated breeding setup gives much better results. Breeding difficulty is rated intermediate.
Sexing
Sexually mature females are noticeably deeper-bodied and a little larger than males.
Conditioning the Breeders
Condition the adult group together in the main tank before transferring selected fish to the breeding setup.
Breeding Setup
- Smaller tank with very dim lighting and an air-powered sponge filter or air stone
- A mesh base, plastic grass matting, glass marbles, fine-leaved plants (Taxiphyllum) or spawning mops so eggs fall away from the adults
- Water pH slightly acidic to neutral
- Temperature toward the upper end of the range (around 28 C preferred)
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Introduce one pair, or one to two males with several females. Eggs typically appear the following morning.
Egg & Fry Care
Remove the adults after spawning. First foods are Paramecium or a 5-50 micron proprietary dry food, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworms once the fry are large enough to accept them.
Common Challenges
As with other small characins, the tiny first-feeding fry need infusoria-grade foods, and the adults will consume eggs if not removed, so dim light and a protected egg-collection medium are important.