Species learning profile
Neon tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish associated with river habitat in South America. An iridescent stripe stays visible in the dim light of blackwater streams.
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At a glance
- Agua
- Agua dulce
- Habitat
- Río
- Longitud máxima
- 4 cm
- Distribución
- Sudamérica
- Familia
- Characidae
- Orden
- Characiformes
Observe
How to identify Neon tetra
- An iridescent stripe stays visible in the dim light of blackwater streams.
- Guide context: river habitat in South America.
- Reported maximum length: 4 cm — about hand-length or smaller. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with river habitat across South America. Flow, seasonal floods, connected side channels, and access to spawning reaches all shape its river habitat.
Behavior
Schools tightly in shaded water
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Tiny crustaceans, insects, and fallen organic matter.
Ecological role
A small link between forest inputs and aquatic predators.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Neon tetra puede medir unos 4 cm y suele encontrarse cerca de Río.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
River fish depend on connected water. Dams, blocked migrations, pollution, and altered flow can matter even when the channel still looks wet.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Neon tetra in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections