Neon Tetra Diamond - Paracheirodon innesi

Neon Tetra Diamond (Paracheirodon innesi)

The Neon Tetra Diamond is a beautiful captive-bred form of the classic Neon Tetra, admired for its bright reflective body sheen, electric-blue stripe and red rear body colouration. This variety offers the same peaceful shoaling behaviour as the standard Neon Tetra, with an extra “diamond” sparkle that stands out beautifully in planted aquariums. It is best suited to a mature, peaceful community aquarium with stable water quality, calm tank mates and a proper group of its own kind.

Common Name:
Neon Tetra Diamond. Also commonly referred to as Diamond Neon Tetra, Diamond Head Neon Tetra, Neon Tetra, Blue Neon Tetra or Neon Fish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Paracheirodon innesi

Maximum Size:
Around 3–4 cm in captivity, making it a small shoaling tetra.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Neon Tetra Diamond is a captive-bred aquarium strain. The wild form of Paracheirodon innesi is native to South America, especially blackwater and clearwater forest streams in the Amazon basin. In nature, Neon Tetras are found in shaded, slow-moving tributaries with soft acidic water, submerged roots, leaf litter and plant cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 21–26°C
pH Range: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with soft, slightly acidic water preferred

Temperament:
Very peaceful and social. Neon Tetras are best kept with other small, calm community fish and should not be housed with large, aggressive or predatory species that may stress or eat them.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. In nature, Neon Tetras feed on small worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter. In the aquarium they should be offered quality fine flake, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp and occasional small live foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 60 litres for a proper group, with a longer aquarium preferred for a larger shoal and more natural swimming behaviour.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a peaceful mid-water shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least 8, ideally 10 or more. In larger groups, Diamond Neon Tetras become more confident, colourful and natural in behaviour. They look especially effective in planted aquariums with darker substrate, floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter and open swimming space. A secure lid is recommended, as small active fish may jump when startled.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is well suited to peaceful planted community aquariums with small tank mates such as rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf Corydoras, Otocinclus, small peaceful gouramis, dwarf cichlids and other calm tetras. Avoid large angelfish, predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin nippers and any fish large enough to swallow them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable aquarium with gentle filtration, clean water and regular maintenance. Neon Tetras can be sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry and should not be added to brand-new or unstable aquariums. The Diamond form is a captive-bred colour strain, so the strength of the reflective head or body sheen may vary naturally between individuals.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common / occasional in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

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.