ExploreFish

Black Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Black Neon Tetras are small fish with shiny black stripes! They are friendly and enjoy swimming in schools.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers

Appearance

The Black Neon Tetra has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with a striking iridescent stripe that shifts from green to blue. Its main body is charcoal black, contrasted by a white belly and a bright, reflective stripe, making it visually unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCharaciformesFamilyCharacidaeGenusHyphessobrycon

Black Neon Tetra

Interesting facts

Black Neon Tetras love living in big groups called schools for safety!

Their scientific name means 'small toothed' in Greek, but they only have tiny teeth!

These tiny fish communicate using subtle body movements and fin signals.

They get their 'neon' glow from special reflective cells in their skin!

Special abilities

Black Neon Tetra has a bright, iridescent stripe that helps them recognize friends in dimly lit waters.

Black Neon Tetra can make sudden, fast movements to escape predators because of its streamlined body and small fins.

Black Neon Tetra has a dark body that helps them blend into shadowy aquatic plants to hide from danger.

Measurements & details

Length: 2.5-3.5 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.005 kg
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Swim Speed: 1 km/h
Max Depth: 2 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Tiny Black Neon Tetras munch on small bugs and other bits found floating in the water.

Primary Foods

insect larvae
small crustaceans
algae
plant detritus

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

Small crustaceans are a favorite food source for them.

eats

Midge Larva

Chironomus plumosus

They consume tiny insect larvae found among aquatic plants.

eaten by

Peacock Bass

Cichla ocellaris

A larger predatory fish that hunts smaller tetras.

eaten by

Great Egret

Ardea alba

Wading birds snatch them from shallow river edges.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.