The Black Neon Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi*) is one of the most popular and elegant schooling fish in the tetra family. While its name suggests a close relation to the common Neon Tetra, it actually belongs to a different genus, yet its high-contrast colors make it just as attractive. As part of my plans to breed various tetras and barbs, I acquired a small group of six. They were kept in my 325-liter community tank, but unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to attempt breeding before I decided to sell my tank rack and move the fish along.
The species is renowned for its striking appearance: a broad black stripe running along the body, topped by a glowing, iridescent white-to-greenish line. One of its most beautiful features is the upper half of the eye, which glows an intense red. In the wild, it originates from the Rio Paraguay basin in Brazil, often inhabiting 'blackwater' environments with acidic water and plenty of driftwood.
In the home aquarium, the Black Neon is an extremely peaceful fish that thrives best in a school of at least 6-10 individuals. They are less prone to fin-nipping than some other tetras, making them ideal residents for a planted community tank. They prefer dimmed lighting and dark substrate, which makes their colors stand out even more brilliantly.
