They are easily confused with another variety of Tetra, the Cardinal Tetra, but there is one subtle difference between them. Neon Tetras are noticeable fish, despite their small size. Credit: chonlasub woravichan, Shutterstock Appearance & Varieties In larger groups, they may be more out and about in the tank, especially if they don’t share a tank with larger fish that chase or nip them. In small groups, they will likely spend a lot of time hiding out in tall plants or in the roots of floating plants, only making appearances when they feel completely safe. Neon Tetras are peaceful fish, but they are also very timid, especially when kept in small groups. Expect to spend $50-100 to get a tank set up and purchase the fish. Driftwood can range from inexpensive to very expensive depending on the wood and the cut, and plants to create a healthy planted tank can also add up. Indian almond leaves, which help acidify the water and create leaf litter, are usually around $10 for a few leaves. The main expense associated with Neon Tetras is the tank and tank accessories. Even purchasing a whole group of them shouldn’t set you back too much. Neon Tetras range in cost from about $1-3, so they are inexpensive fish. Blackwater environments are Neon Tetras natural environment in the wild.
![tetra fish tank tetra fish tank](https://www.ubuy.hk/productimg/?image=aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnZXMtbmEuc3NsLWltYWdlcy1hbWF6b24uY29tL2ltYWdlcy9JLzUxV1Jvb1MwRVRMLl9TUzEwMDBfLmpwZw.jpg)
This type of water is acidic and is usually slow-moving. This does not mean dirty water, but it refers to water that is high in tannins from driftwood, peat, and leaf litter. Groups of 15 or more is ideal and will encourage the most active, social behavior in the fish.Īn interesting fact about Neon Tetras, and most Tetras, is that they prefer to be kept in blackwater environments. In groups this small, they may be more easily frightened and stressed. Six is the absolute minimum number of fish to keep together to provide a sense of safety and security. Since they are shoaling fish, Neon Tetras are happiest in groups of six or more. You may also see them referred to as schooling fish, but schooling is technically the action of the fish all swimming the same direction together, often in response to a stimulus like a perceived threat. This is because they’re shoaling fish, which means they stay in groups of their own kind for social purposes.
![tetra fish tank tetra fish tank](https://dlgdxii3fgupk.cloudfront.net/myaquariumclub.com/components/com_mojo/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/4103443325_c40865c8a8_b-sgjdw3np26_v_1519141054.jpg)
Neon Tetras are the brightly-colored fish you often see zipping around aquariums in large groups. Neon Tetras Overview Credit: Geza Farkas, Shutterstock Other peaceful tropical fish and invertebrates Silvery bodies with a horizontal blue stripe down the front end of the body and red stripe down the back end of the body