Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (Black Neon Tetra)

Background:

The Black Neon Tetra, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, is a striking freshwater fish originating from the Paraguay Basin in Brazil. While more understated than its Cardinal or Neon Tetra relatives, it captivates aquarists with its elegant contrast: a shimmering silver-white stripe running from snout to tail, set above a bold jet-black stripe. Accented by a subtle orange hue on the eyes, this unique coloration gives it a refined and sophisticated beauty. Growing to about 3–4 cm, the Black Neon Tetra is hardy, peaceful, and an excellent choice for aquarists seeking both resilience and visual appeal in a community tank.

Care Requirements:

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22–28 °C

• pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral preferred)

• Hardness: 2–15 dGH

Diet:
Black Neon Tetras are omnivorous and flourish on a varied diet. They readily accept high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and enjoy supplemental live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Feeding 1–2 times daily in small amounts ensures their health and helps maintain their subtle yet striking coloration.

Tank Setup:
A minimum tank size of 60 liters is recommended for a school of at least 8–10, as they are social and thrive in groups. A dark substrate and subdued lighting highlight their reflective stripes beautifully. A well-planted aquarium with species like Java fern, Amazon swords, and floating plants provides cover and mimics their natural habitat. Adding driftwood and leaf litter enhances tannins in the water, creating conditions similar to their native blackwater streams.

Behavior:
Black Neon Tetras are peaceful, schooling fish that primarily swim in the mid to upper levels of the aquarium. They display harmonious, coordinated movements when kept in groups, adding both elegance and activity to the tank. When kept in smaller numbers, they may become timid, so a group of 8 or more is ideal.

Tank Mates:
They are excellent companions for other peaceful community fish, including Corydoras, small Rasboras, Ember Tetras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma. Shrimp species such as Amano and Cherry Shrimp also coexist well. Avoid aggressive or predatory fish, as the Black Neon Tetra’s small size makes it vulnerable.

Care Tips:

Black Neon Tetras are resilient and adaptable, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They thrive in clean, stable water with gentle filtration and benefit from regular partial water changes. Driftwood and Indian almond leaves can be used to add tannins, recreating their natural environment. Maintaining them in larger schools reduces stress and encourages their natural shoaling behavior. A diverse diet of quality prepared and live foods will bring out their subtle sheen and keep them in peak condition.

The Black Neon Tetra is a graceful addition to a peaceful community aquarium. Its distinctive contrast of dark and light stripes, hardy nature, and engaging schooling behavior make it a versatile and rewarding choice for aquarists of all experience levels.