How Many Neon Tetras Can You Put In A 5 Gallon Fish Tank?

Neon tetras are a popular, peaceful aquarium fish. They stay small, reaching about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in body length, a little more with the tail. They do best in soft, slightly acidic, warm water.

Neon tetras are a schooling fish, which means they feel safer and act more naturally in groups. FishBase recommends keeping them in groups of five or more, and many keepers aim for six to ten.

The short answer: a 5 gallon tank is not a good home for neon tetras. It is too small for a proper school, and FishBase recommends a tank at least 60 cm (about 24 inches) long.

The old "1 inch of fish per gallon" rule would allow only about three adult neons in 5 gallons. That is below the minimum group size, so the rule does not help here.

What Is The Ideal Tank Size For Neon Tetras

Since neon tetras are a schooling fish, plan your tank around a group large enough for them to feel secure. A relaxed fish is usually a healthier fish.

A tank about 24 inches long, which usually means a 20 gallon or larger aquarium, gives a school of six or more room to swim. They are active fish that use the whole length of the tank, so more room is better.

If you only have a 5 gallon tank, consider a single small fish suited to that size, or invertebrates, instead of a school of tetras.

Sources

• Paracheirodon innesi, Neon tetra, FishBase