Black Neon Tetra

About

The black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is one of those fish that looks simple at first glance but reveals a lot of character once you have a proper group in a planted tank. Its most recognizable feature is the contrast between a vivid white-to-yellow horizontal stripe and a deep black band running beneath it along the body, with the upper eye typically showing a red flash. Despite sharing "neon" in its common name, it is not closely related to the true neon tetra and belongs to a distinct grouping within Hyphessobrycon. Native to the Paraguay River basin in South America, it occupies middle and upper water layers in the wild, and it behaves the same way in the aquarium. This is a genuinely peaceful species that works well alongside similarly sized characins, smaller catfish, and non-aggressive cichlids. Keep it in groups of at least eight to ten. A lone black neon or a small cluster will become timid and pale. A larger school produces that flowing, coordinated movement that makes a community tank come alive. Commercially bred in large numbers for decades, virtually all fish in the hobby are captive-raised, which means they are generally adaptable and reasonably hardy. Breeding is achievable at home with a bit of preparation, though the adults will readily eat their own eggs without some form of separation.