Black Neon Tetra: Species Profile

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
• Family: Characidae
• Origin: Paraguay Basin, South America
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish
• Tank Level: Middle regions
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Breeding Method: Egg layer
• Care Level: Beginner-friendly
• Preferred pH Range: 5.0 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: Up to 6 dGH
• Temperature Range: 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C)

Origin and Distribution

The Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is native to the Paraguay River basin in southern Brazil. In the wild, they inhabit clearwater streams and tributaries with dense vegetation, providing ample hiding spots and a subdued lighting environment.

Colors and Markings

Black Neon Tetras are characterized by a sleek, silver-gray body adorned with two distinct horizontal stripes: an iridescent greenish-blue stripe above a bold black stripe running from the snout through the eye to the base of the tail. Their eyes feature a red upper half, adding to their striking appearance. The fins are mostly transparent, with the dorsal fin sometimes exhibiting a hint of black near the base.

Tankmates

Due to their peaceful nature, Black Neon Tetras are excellent additions to community aquariums. Compatible tankmates include:

• Other small, peaceful tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Small rasboras
• Dwarf gouramis
• Peaceful loaches like kuhli loaches

It’s advisable to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species that may exhibit territorial behavior or view them as prey.

Care

Black Neon Tetras are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Key care considerations include:

• Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open areas for swimming. Incorporate driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots. A dark substrate can enhance their coloration.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions within the preferred ranges. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.
• Group Size: Keep them in groups of at least six to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Black Neon Tetras thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flake or micro-pellet foods formulated for tropical fish.
• Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer small amounts multiple times a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Gender Differences

Females are generally slightly larger and have a rounder abdomen, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to be more slender.

Breeding

Breeding Black Neon Tetras in captivity is achievable with proper conditions:

• Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature around 77°F (25°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition.
• Spawning: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. The female will scatter eggs among the plants, and the male will fertilize them.
• Post-Spawning: Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs typically hatch within 24 to 36 hours.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Further Research

For more detailed information on Black Neon Tetra care, breeding techniques, and tank setups, consider exploring specialized aquarium literature or consulting with experienced aquarists.

FAQ

How long do Black Neon Tetras live? With proper care, they can live between 5 to 8 years.

Can Black Neon Tetras be kept with shrimp? Yes, they are generally safe to keep with small, peaceful shrimp species.

Do Black Neon Tetras require a heater? Maintaining a stable temperature within their preferred range is essential for their health, so a heater may be necessary depending on ambient conditions.