Black Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi.
Sporting an iridescent silvery-white stripe contrasted by a black stripe beneath it, the Black Neon makes an excellent contrast fish to similar shaped and sized tetras such as the Rummy Nose or Neon Tetra.
At an adult size of little more than 4 cm, it is suitable for even small aquariums. Peaceful and easy to care for, they also make a nice addition to a larger community aquarium.
Like other tetras Black Neons prefer soft acidic water, however they are quite adaptable and are more tolerant of hard neutral water than some tetra species. Peat filtering is recommended for bringing out the best coloration.
The ideal biotope for the Black Neon Tetra includes subdued lighting, live plants, open space for swimming, a dark substrate, and a healthy water current in the mid to upper region of the aquarium where they prefer to swim. They are a shoaling fish and should always be kept in groups of 5 or more.
Black Neons are undemanding and will eat almost anything offered to them, however they should be fed a varied diet for optimum health and color. Flake, frozen, and freeze-dried foods are all suitable, as well as small live worms and brine shrimp.

Photo by Dusko Bojic.