Chocolate Neon Tetra - Hyphessobrycon vilmae

Chocolate Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon vilmae)

The Chocolate Neon Tetra is a small, peaceful freshwater tetra admired for its subtle chocolate-brown body tone, dark lateral stripe and attractive shoaling behaviour. This elegant species is ideal for mature planted aquariums, blackwater-style displays and calm tropical community setups. It is best kept in a group, where it becomes more confident and shows more natural midwater movement.

Common Name:
Chocolate Neon Tetra, Chocolate Neon, Vilma’s Tetra

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hyphessobrycon vilmae

Maximum Size:
Approximately 3 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Chocolate Neon Tetra originates from Brazil, where it is associated with the upper rio Tapajós basin.

In the wild, it is found in warm, soft freshwater habitats with plant cover, shaded margins, submerged roots, leaf litter and gentle water movement.

In the aquarium, it does best in a mature planted setup with open swimming space, shaded areas, fine-leaved plants, driftwood and stable water quality.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH Range: 5.0–7.0
Hardness: Soft water preferred
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Flow: Gentle to moderate preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful

Chocolate Neon Tetras are peaceful shoaling fish and should be kept with calm tankmates.

They are best kept in groups, where they feel more secure, display better colour and show more natural behaviour.

Avoid large, aggressive or overly boisterous fish that may stress or outcompete them.

Diet:
Omnivore / Micro-predator

Chocolate Neon Tetras naturally feed on tiny invertebrates, insect larvae, zooplankton and fine food particles.

Offer high-quality micro pellets, finely crushed tropical flakes and small granules as the staple diet.

Supplement with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm.

Because of their small mouths, all foods should be suitably fine.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 60 litres for a small group

A longer aquarium with open swimming space is preferred.

Larger aquariums are recommended for bigger groups or mixed peaceful community setups.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Chocolate Neon Tetra is a calm midwater shoaling fish that looks best when kept in a group.

A settled group will move through open areas, then retreat among plants, roots or shaded cover when startled.

Their subtle colour and dark lateral stripe are especially attractive in planted aquariums with subdued lighting and darker décor.

Community Suitability:
Peaceful Community Fish

The Chocolate Neon Tetra is suitable for peaceful planted aquariums and calm soft-water community setups.

Suitable tankmates include small rasboras, other peaceful tetras, dwarf pencilfish, small corydoras, otocinclus, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care and freshwater shrimp where breeding is not the priority.

Avoid large fish, aggressive species, fin-nippers, boisterous barbs, predatory fish and any tankmate large enough to swallow them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep this species in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred where space allows.

A mature aquarium with stable, soft water and low nitrate is recommended.

Subdued lighting, floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter and darker substrate can help the fish feel secure and show better colour.

Avoid bright, bare aquariums, unstable new setups and aggressive tankmates.

Regular small water changes are preferred over large sudden changes.

Like many small tetras, this species may scatter eggs among plants, but adults provide no parental care and may eat eggs or fry in a community aquarium.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate

Availability:
Occasional, depending on supplier and import season.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.