ExploreFish

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Neon Tetras are tiny, colorful fish that glow in the water! They are popular in aquariums and love to swim in schools.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers

Appearance

The Neon Tetra has a striking iridescent blue-green stripe running horizontally from its nose to its adipose fin, above a vibrant red stripe that extends from the middle of its body to its tail. Its small, slender body is mostly translucent, making these brilliant stripes stand out vividly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCharaciformesFamilyCharacidaeGenusParacheirodon

Neon Tetra

Interesting facts

Wow! A group of Neon Tetras is called a 'school,' and they stay close together for safety!

Wow! In the wild, Neon Tetras often live in 'blackwater' rivers, stained dark by decaying leaves!

Wow! The shiny blue stripe on a Neon Tetra doesn't come from pigment, but from special reflective cells!

Wow! They can change the intensity of their colors, becoming duller at night or when they are stressed!

Special abilities

Neon Tetras have a glowing stripe that helps them blend into sun-dappled water or confuse predators in their dark jungle rivers.

Neon Tetras can swim in large groups called schools because it makes them look like one big fish to confuse predators.

Neon Tetras have excellent eyesight to find tiny food and avoid danger in the dim, shaded waters of their rainforest home.

Measurements & details

Length: 2.5-4 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.002 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Swim Speed: 0.5 km/h
Max Depth: 2 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

They are tiny omnivores, nibbling on small bugs, worms, and even tiny bits of plants and detritus.

Primary Foods

Insect larvae
Small crustaceans
Algae
Detritus
Microscopic worms

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Dwarf Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla regani

A larger fish that preys on small tetras.

eats

Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

A tiny crustacean that is a common food source.

eats

Green Algae

Chlorella vulgaris

One of the algae types consumed by these fish.

eaten by

Red Shoulder Severum

Heros efasciatus

A larger cichlid that might prey on them.

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.