If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and contrast to your aquarium, consider the Black Neon Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi.
These charming aquatic companions are like little gems of darkness, with their striking black bodies and vibrant neon accents that can illuminate any tank.
But before you embark on the journey of keeping these exquisite fish, it’s essential to have a comprehensive care guide on hand.
Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ll walk you through the basics of looking after Black Neon Tetras, ensuring their well-being and allowing you to enjoy their captivating presence in your aquarium with ease.
Let’s dive into the world of Black Neon Tetras!
| Common name(s) | Black tetra, neon tetra, black neon |
| Binomial name | Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size range – lenght | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| Water parameters | Temp 72°F – 78°F pH 6.0–7.0 Hardness 3-6° dGH |
| Tank level | Middle and top of the tank |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 6-8 years |
| Breeding | Egg layer |
| Tank mates | Other small tetras (Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Ember Tetras), Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, Dwarf cichlids (Peaceful varieties), Gouramis, Small, non-aggressive livebearers |
Origin
Black Neon Tetras originate from the clear, slow-moving waters of South America, particularly in the Rio Orinoco and Rio Inírida river basins, which span through Venezuela and Colombia.
These waterways are known for their lush vegetation and calm currents, creating the ideal habitat for these tetras.
To replicate their natural environment in your tank, consider providing ample plants and gentle water movement.
Size
In terms of size, Black Neon Tetras are relatively small, making them perfect for smaller aquarium setups. They typically grow to be around 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 centimeters) in length.
Their compact size and peaceful nature make them an excellent choice for community tanks and nano aquariums.
Availability
Black Neon Tetras are widely available in the aquarium trade due to their popularity among hobbyists. You can find them in most local fish stores, but availability may vary depending on your location and the demand within the hobby.
Online retailers also offer a convenient option for purchasing these tetras and often provide a broader selection. Always ensure you choose a reputable seller to guarantee the health of your new fish.
The cost of Black Neon Tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) can vary depending on various factors such as your location, the source from which you purchase them, their size, and the overall demand for this species in your area.
Black Neon Tetras are typically price at a few dollars each, with the exact price varying from place to place. In some regions, they may be sold for $3 to $4 per fish, while in others, they could be priced slightly higher or lower.
Appearance and Sex Differences
Black Neon Tetras are renowned for their striking appearance.
The most prominent feature of Black Neon Tetras is the presence of two distinct stripes that run horizontally along the length of their body. These stripes are the source of their common name:
Upper Stripe (White Iridescent): The upper stripe is a thin, shimmering white band that sparkles when caught in the light. This iridescent stripe adds a captivating visual contrast against the dark body color.
Lower Stripe (Black): Directly below the white iridescent stripe is a broader, solid black stripe. This black stripe extends from the head to the caudal fin, giving the fish its characteristic “black neon” appearance.
Another striking feature of Black Neon Tetras is the bright orange or reddish rings that encircle the tops of their eyes. These eye rings create a vivid splash of color on an otherwise dark body and serve as a distinct identifying mark.
Their fins are generally transparent, but they may display a subtle hint of coloration, often with a slight red or orange tinge. The dorsal fin is typically larger and can have a subtle black edge.
Like many fish species, Black Neon Tetras can exhibit changes in their coloration when they are stressed.
Distinguishing between male and female Black Neon Tetras can be challenging, as they share similar appearances.
However, females may appear slightly plumper when carrying eggs, especially during breeding periods. There are usually no significant differences in coloration between the sexes.
Behavior
In their natural habitat, Black Neon Tetras are known for their peaceful and shoaling behavior. They tend to form tight-knit groups in the wild, and this social nature carries over into aquarium settings.
Keeping them in a group of at least six individuals is recommended to ensure their well-being and to observe their shoaling behavior.
These tetras are active swimmers that occupy the middle and lower regions of the tank. They enjoy exploring their environment, darting between plants, and occasionally displaying schooling behavior, creating a visually pleasing spectacle in your aquarium.
It’s common for them to sleep huddle together near the bottom or rest in plants or other hiding spots during their resting periods. During sleep, their metabolic rate decreases, and their colors may fade slightly.
This is a normal behavior, and their colors typically return to normal when they wake up and become active.
Black Neon Tetras are indeed skilled jumpers, and they may jump out of the tank if given the opportunity. To prevent this, it’s crucial to keep the top of the aquarium securely covered.
While they are generally peaceful, it’s essential to choose tank mates that share their peaceful temperament to prevent stress and aggression.
Avoid aggressive or nippy species that could harm the Black Neon Tetras’ delicate fins.
Care
Black Neon Tetras thrive in slightly acidic water, which mimics their natural habitat in the freshwater of southern Brazil.
Adding live plants to the aquarium can create a natural and comfortable environment for Black Neon Tetras. Plants not only provide aesthetic appeal but also serve as hiding spots and swimming areas. Ensure that the tank has adequate hiding places and open swimming spaces.
Black Neon Tetras are omnivorous and can eat a variety of foods. You can feed them high-quality flakes, frozen foods, small live worms, brine shrimp, and freeze-dried foods. Offering a varied diet helps ensure they receive essential nutrients.
Regular water changes are crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing common fish illnesses like ich and dropsy. Replacing 30% to 50% of the aquarium water every other week helps keep the water parameters stable and the fish healthy.
As mentioned earlier, they are skilled jumpers, so it’s important to keep the top of the aquarium covered to prevent them from leaping out.
Tank Requirements
Provide a tank with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons for a small group of Black Neon Tetras. A larger tank allows for a more extensive shoal and additional tank mates.
Maintain a water temperature between 72 to 78°F (22 to 26°C) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. These conditions reflect their natural habitat and ensure their comfort.
Use efficient filtration to maintain water quality. Black Neon Tetras are sensitive to water conditions, so regular water changes and a well-functioning filter are crucial.
Opt for a dark substrate to enhance the contrast of their black bodies. Provide plenty of hiding spots using live or artificial plants, driftwood, and caves. These tetras appreciate a well-planted aquarium (but plants are not necessary) with soft lighting to mimic their natural habitat. The addition of tannins to the water is highly desirable.
Use driftwood or Indian almond leaves, which release tannins into the water, creating a natural, slightly acidic environment.
Tannins can lower the pH of the water, creating a more acidic environment. They can stain the water a brown or tea-like color, which is characteristic of the natural habitat of Black Neon Tetras. This darkened water can create a visually appealing and natural-looking aquarium.
The darkened water can indeed make the colors of Black Neon Tetras stand out more. Their dark bodies and contrasting stripes can appear even more vibrant in this type of environment.
Select peaceful tank mates that share similar water parameters and temperament. Compatible species include other small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
As I mentioned earlier, Black Neon Tetras thrive in shoals of at least six individuals. Providing the right environment and social structure is essential for their well-being.
Monitor water parameters regularly and perform water changes as needed to maintain optimal water quality. Good water quality is vital for the health of your tetras. The recommended frequency of changing 30% to 50% of the water every other week is a good guideline.
Diseases
Like all aquarium fish, Black Neon Tetras can be susceptible to certain diseases. Being vigilant and recognizing common ailments can help you take prompt action to protect their health.
Ich
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), also known as white spot disease, is a protozoan parasite that causes small white cysts (white spots) to form on the fish’s skin, gills, and fins.
Infected fish may exhibit symptoms such as flashing (rapidly rubbing against objects), scratching, and increased mucus production.
Ich can be treated with medications designed to eliminate the parasite. Raising the temperature of the water slightly can also help speed up the life cycle of the parasite, making it more susceptible to treatment.
Dropsy
Dropsy is not a specific disease but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, often a bacterial infection.
Fish with dropsy exhibit swelling or bloating of the abdomen, raised scales, and a pinecone-like appearance.
Treatment may involve isolating the affected fish, improving water quality, and administering antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Neon Tetra Disease
Neon Tetra Disease primarily affects tetra species, including Black Neon Tetras.
Symptoms include a loss of color, emaciation, and a curved or bent spine.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Neon Tetra Disease, and affected fish are often euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease to others in the tank.
Preventing disease is crucial in maintaining the health of Black Neon Tetras. Key preventive measures include:
- Maintaining excellent water quality through regular water changes and proper filtration.
- Quarantining new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of potential diseases.
- Avoiding overcrowding, as it can lead to stress and disease transmission.
- Providing a well-balanced diet and ensuring that fish receive proper nutrition to boost their immune systems.
- Monitoring fish behavior and appearance regularly to detect any signs of illness early, as early intervention can be more effective in treating diseases.
Tank Mates
When selecting tank mates for Black Neon Tetras, consider species that share their peaceful temperament and water requirements. Compatible tank mates include:
- Other small tetras: Such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, and Ember Tetras.
- Rasboras: Species like Harlequin Rasboras and Chili Rasboras are suitable companions.
- Corydoras catfish: Peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that help keep the substrate clean.
- Dwarf cichlids: Peaceful varieties like Apistogramma can coexist harmoniously.
- Gouramis: but avoid larger species
- Small, non-aggressive livebearers: Such as Endler’s Livebearers and Guppies.
Avoid aggressive or larger fish that could stress or intimidate Black Neon Tetras. Also, steer clear of fin-nipping species that might harm their delicate fins.
Diet
Providing a balanced diet is crucial for the health and vibrancy of Black Neon Tetras:
High-quality flakes and pellets: Start with a base diet of high-quality flake and pellet foods designed for tetras. Look for options that offer essential nutrients and vitamins.
Live and frozen foods: Incorporate occasional live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, tubifex, mosquito larvae. These treats enhance their coloration and mimic their natural diet.
When offering live or frozen foods like worms or shrimp, it’s a good practice to cut or break them into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier for the tetras to grasp and consume the food.
Rotate their food sources regularly to ensure a diverse and balanced diet. This helps provide all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Feeding your Black Neon Tetras small meals multiple times a day replicates their feeding patterns in the wild and prevents overeating and digestive issues. Observing their behavior during feeding can help ensure they’re getting enough to eat.
Breeding
Breeding Black Neon Tetras can be a rewarding endeavor, and understanding their natural behaviors is essential to succeed.
Start with a well-conditioned group of Black Neon Tetras in a spacious breeding tank. As the fish mature, pairs may naturally form based on their preferences.
Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops as potential breeding sites. These tetras scatter their eggs among plants. A ball of rinsed moss will work well.
Maintain the water temperature between 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C) and soft to slightly acidic water with a pH around 6.0 to 6.5. It is best if the hardness is less than 5 dGH. The water should be enriched with tannins. Lighting should be dim. The water should be immaculately clean.
Once a pair forms, the female will lay adhesive eggs among the plants or spawning mops. The male will fertilize them. Spawning usually occurs in the late evening or early morning.
Black Neon Tetras exhibit limited parental care. After spawning, it’s advisable to remove the adults to prevent them from consuming the eggs.
The eggs hatch in about 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming in a few days. Offer them infusoria or powdered fry food as their initial diet, gradually transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow. After 7-10 days, freshly brine shrimp larvae can be added to the diet.
Keep the breeding tank well-maintained with good water quality and gentle filtration. Provide hiding places for the fry to seek refuge.
Regularly monitor the fry’s development and adjust their care as needed. Separating them from the main tank is typically necessary to protect them from potential predation.
In conclusion
Black Neon Tetras are captivating additions to any aquarium, known for their unique combination of dark elegance and vivid coloration.
By providing them with a suitable environment, compatible tank mates, and a varied diet, you can ensure their health and enjoy their presence in your aquatic world.
Breeding these tetras can also be a rewarding experience, offering insights into their natural behaviors and adding a touch of wonder to your fishkeeping journey.
