Neon Costello (Hemigrammus hyanuary) — 2,5-3cm

Overview of Neon Costello

The small tropical aquarium fish, scientifically known as Hemigrammus hyanuary, a peaceful, shimmering amazon tetra that adds lively movement and subtle color to a planted community aquarium.. Hemigrammus hyanuary, the January tetra or Costello tetra, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acestrorhamphidae. This fish is found in the Amazon Basin in South America

Native to Amazon Basin, South America, this moderate-care species belongs to the Characidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The Neon Costello reaches an adult size of approximately 3.0 cm and displays coloration that varies with mood, diet, and water conditions. Peaceful by nature, this species makes an interesting addition to appropriately stocked aquariums.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Hemigrammus hyanuary inhabits amazon basin, south america. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

These waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and rich in tannins from decomposing leaf litter. Dense vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities, while seasonal flooding creates dynamic habitat conditions.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is essential for housing Neon Costello. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

Provide appropriate hiding places, suitable substrate, and decorations that match their natural habitat preferences. Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential for all freshwater species.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Neon Costello:

• Temperature: 23-28C
• pH Range: 5.5-7.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

This species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a omnivore, Neon Costello requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Offer a varied small-particle diet including quality micro pellets or flakes, frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms, with plant-based matter as a supplement.

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Neon Costello is classified as peaceful, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

This peaceful species thrives in community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Calm demeanor and gentle nature make it ideal for planted aquariums.

Best kept in a planted, well-filtered aquarium with soft to moderately soft water and subdued lighting. This is a shoaling species that becomes stressed and less colorful if kept in too small a group...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Other small peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• small peaceful dwarf cichlids
• small peaceful loaches

Avoid housing with:

• Large predatory fish
• fin-nipping species
• aggressive cichlids
• very boisterous tankmates

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Spawning is typically by scattering eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in soft, acidic water. Adults should be removed after spawning, as eggs and fry are vulnerable to predation.

Egg-scattering species require dense planting or spawning mops to catch eggs. Remove adult fish immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry emerge in 24-48 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Why Buy Neon Costello from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your small tropical aquarium fish purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Neon Costello specimens are among the finest small tropical aquarium fish available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.