What size tank do neon tetras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi.
How many neon tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if neon tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many neon tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 8 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 16 |
| 29 gallon | up to 23 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 32 |
| 55 gallon | up to 45 |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check neon tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, neon tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for neon tetras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Guppy
- Pygmy corydoras
- Honey gourami
- Panda corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Clown killifish
- Endler's livebearer
- Zebra danio
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as neon tetra.
- Molly: They need different water: Neon tetra likes a pH of 5.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Can neon tetras live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- tiger barbs
- dwarf gouramis
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank do neon tetras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many neon tetras should be kept together?
At least 6. Neon tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can neon tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 8 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do neon tetras need?
70–79 °F (21–26 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.