Tetras - Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Glow Lights and Black Phantom Tetras
Tetra fish are very colorful and bright. They swim in schools, which makes them a delight to watch as they move about the aquarium. Among the most popular types of Tetras are the Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras. Both types of fish are extremely beautiful fresh water fish. Other variations of Tetras include the Glow Light Tetra (getting it’s name from it’s glowing appearance when light reflects off it) and the Black Phantom Tetra.
Ideal environments for Tetra fish are aquariums that can hold at least 15 gallons of water that is heated to a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Place gravel along the bottom of the aquarium, but keep the gravel at a quarter of an inch thick or less.
When you have Neon Tetras in your fish tank, you should always have a minimum of six, although ten is better. They need to swim in schools to be happy. Glow Light Tetras and the Black Phantom Tetras also prefer schooling with their own kind.
Neon Tetras do well with both the Black Phantom Tetras and Glow Light Tetras, as well as Harlequin Rasboras- which actually look similar to Neon’s in their appearance. White Clouds and Fancy Guppies make friends with Neon Tetras when placed in the same tank, as do Glass Fish, Honey Gouramis, Corydoras Catfish and Ghost Shrimp. You should not put Neon Tetras in the same tank with Large Tetras- including Serpae Tetras, Black Skirt Tetras or Black Neon Tetras; or any aggressive natured fish as the Neon’s will not be able to defend themselves and are likely to be attacked or eaten. Despite the Neon, Glow Light and Black Phantom Tetra’s tiny size of about 1.25”, they have been known to live for 10 years or more.