The Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, better known as the Black Neon Tetra, is a small South American characid that is much appreciated for its bright light band on a dark background and its peaceful behaviour in schools. Robust and easy to maintain, it is ideal for community planted aquariums.

Origin & habitat

This species is native toSouth America, mainly the Rio Paraguay basin. It is found in calm rivers, backwaters and flooded areas, with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, often tinged with tannins. The typical biotope consists of a dark substrate, roots, dead leaves and dense aquatic vegetation.

Description & sexual dimorphism

• Adult size: 3.5-4 cm
• Lifespan: 4 to 6 years in good conditions
• Body: fusiform, slightly compressed laterally
• Colouring: dark brown to blackish body with a light (silvery to greenish) longitudinal stripe running through it
• Fins: fins often smoky with light edging, especially on the dorsal and anal fins
• Eye: iris marked with a very visible red/orange sheen

Males are generally slimmer and sometimes more contrasted, while females have a rounder abdomen, particularly during the spawning period. However, dimorphism remains moderate.

Recommended water parameters

• Temperature: 23-27°C
• pH: 5.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Water quality: zero nitrites, low nitrates, clean, well-oxygenated water

The black tetra neon is relatively tolerant, but like all small characids, it appreciates stable water that is low in waste and regularly changed (20-30% per week).

Aquarium maintenance

• Minimum recommended volume: from 80-100 L with a good front length.
• Decor: densely planted tank, roots, driftwood, leaves, shaded areas
• Substrate: rather dark to highlight the light band
• Swimming area: mainly the middle of the tank
• Lighting: moderate, ideally subdued by floating plants

A planted Amazonian-style setting (tannins, soft light, plenty of hiding places) reproduces its natural environment well and quickly gives it confidence.

Behaviour & cohabitation

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi is a gregarious, calm and peaceful fish. It should be kept in shoals of at least 8 to 10 individuals, ideally more, to reduce stress and achieve a good group effect.

• Character: peaceful, rarely aggressive, feels safe around other fish.
• Ideal mates: other calm little grouse, rasboras, corydoras, small loricarids, peaceful dwarf gouramis.
• Avoid: large, agitated fish or predators, which may stress them or see them as prey.

In a well-designed tank, they live in small, compact shoals and are often good indicators of the tank's general well-being (bright colours and active behaviour = good conditions).

Diet

An omnivore with a tendency to eat insects, the black neon tetra easily accepts a varied diet:

• Dry food: fine flakes, quality micro-granules suitable for small tropical fish.
• Live/frozen supplements: artemia, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, which promote colour and vitality.
• Plant-based: food containing spirulina or plant extracts for a balanced digestive system.

Feed 2-3 small meals a day, consumed in a few minutes, to maintain good water quality and fish in excellent condition.

Breeding in an aquarium

The Black-necked Tetra can be reproduced by motivated aquarists. It is a free-laying species that scatters its eggs among fine-leaved plants or mosses.

• Breeding tank: small dedicated volume, heavily planted (Java moss, fine plants), low lighting.
• Parameters: soft, slightly acidic water, very clean.
• Introduce a couple or a small group of well-fed livebearers to trigger egg-laying.
• Remove adults after spawning, as they may consume eggs and fry.
• Feed the fry with infusoria, then nauplies of small artemia.

Aquabota tips

• Maintain a large shoal to limit shyness and take advantage of a nice contrasting cloud in the middle of the tank.
• Choose a dark background and moderate lighting to enhance the light strip.
• Choose calm roommates of similar size to create a harmonious community.
• Stable parameters, clean, well-oxygenated water = more resistant fish, more intense colours.

Quick facts

• Zoological Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
• Common name: Black Tetra Neon
• Origin: South America (Rio Paraguay basin)
• Adult size: 3.5-4 cm
• Swimming area: middle of tank
• Temperature: 23-27°C
• pH: 5.5-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH
• Behaviour: gregarious, very peaceful
• Difficulty level: easy (in a well-maintained tank)

Shipping & Delivery of live fish

Our Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi are prepared with the greatest care in our Aquabota fishroom. Each fish is selected, acclimatised and observed before shipping to ensure optimum health.

• Packaging: oxygenated bags, insulated in crates specially designed for transporting live fish.
• Transport: express delivery via specially adapted carriers, to keep time spent in transit to a minimum.
• Temperature: addition of heaters or ice packs depending on the season, to maintain a stable temperature.
• Arrival: an Aquabota acclimatisation guide accompanies you step by step to help you introduce your fish in the best possible conditions.

If you have any questions before or after placing your order, our Aquabota team will be happy to advise you on compatibility with your population, the choice of decor and the ideal parameters for your Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi.