What size school of neon tetras should I order?

Ten is the working minimum, 15-20 is where they properly come alive. Small groups hide and wash out; a real school shoals tightly, swims boldly in open water, and the blue stripe glows visibly brighter. In a 40-litre tank or larger, more is always better.

What's the difference between neon and cardinal tetras?

On a neon the red stripe runs only the rear half of the body; on a cardinal it runs nose to tail. Neons are the hardier of the two and happy slightly cooler (20-26°C), while cardinals prefer warmer, softer water. Both must be kept in schools.

Are neon tetras good for beginners?

Yes, with one rule: never make them the first fish in a new tank. Neons are sensitive to the ammonia swings of an uncycled setup. Cycle the tank, run it a few weeks with hardier fish or fishless, then add the school — kept this way they're genuinely easy.

What fish can live with neon tetras?

Small, peaceful company: rasboras, ember tetras, corydoras, otocinclus, cherry shrimp and honey gouramis all work well. Avoid adult angelfish — in the wild, neon-sized characins are literally what they eat — and any fish with a mouth big enough to try.

Neon Tetra for Sale UK | Tropical Fish Co

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Frequently asked questions

From about £2.40 per fish, with gold and diamond variants slightly higher. Since neons must live in schools of ten or more, budget for the full group up front — a school of 10-15 is the standard order, and mixed sizes settle in together without any trouble.

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Neon Tetra Care Guide: Paracheirodon innesi for UK Aquarists
Neon tetra care for UK tanks: why new-tank neons die and how to avoid it, group size, 40L+ setup, 20-26°C water, tank mates and feeding.

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