Black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi G?ry, 1961

Black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

The Black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 3.2 cm (1.3 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 23–28°C (73–82°F) and a pH of 5.5–7.5. Native range: South America, streams and rivers in the Mato Grasso region of Brazil.

Black neon tetra care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
23–28°C (73–82°F)
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (36–268 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Feeds on worms, small crustaceans and plant matter. In captivity, it swims in the middle and upper water layers of the tank; spawns in the open water and its eggs hatch in 24 to 30 hours. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
3.2
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Paraguay River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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