- Sku: FW1-F9794
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Black Diamond Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
Your order is reserved. We hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Black Diamond Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi var. Black Diamond) is a selectively bred form of the classic Neon Tetra. Its dark body makes the bright blue neon stripe look even more intense, especially over dark substrate and among live plants. It stays small, schools actively, and fits beautifully into a peaceful community aquarium.
Keep at least six, with eight or more preferred. A larger school is calmer, shows stronger color, and creates the tight moving display that makes this fish special. Browse more freshwater fish and our full freshwater collection.
Care Guide
- School size: Six is the minimum. Eight to twelve gives better confidence, color, and schooling behavior.
- Tank size: 10 gallons for a small group, with 15 to 20 gallons preferred for a fuller school and steadier water conditions.
- Water parameters: 72 to 79°F, pH 5.5 to 7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is ideal. Stability matters more than chasing an exact number.
- Aquascape: Live plants, open swimming room, gentle flow, and a darker background or substrate bring out the black body and blue stripe.
- Feeding: Omnivore with a small mouth. Offer fine flakes or micro pellets daily, plus daphnia, baby brine shrimp, or finely chopped frozen foods several times per week.
- Filtration: Use gentle filtration and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Add this school only to a fully cycled aquarium.
Specifications
| Scientific name | Paracheirodon innesi var. Black Diamond |
| Common name | Black Diamond Neon Tetra |
| Family | Characidae |
| Care level | Beginner friendly |
| Temperament | Peaceful, schooling |
| Adult size | About 1 to 1.5 inches |
| Minimum group | 6, with 8 or more preferred |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons |
| Temperature | 72 to 79°F |
| pH | 5.5 to 7.5 |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Swimming level | Middle and upper water |
| Water type | Freshwater |
| Pickup | In-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics |
Compatibility
Good tankmates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, danios, pencilfish, dwarf Corydoras, Otocinclus, and calm dwarf gouramis. Adult dwarf shrimp may coexist in a planted tank, but tiny shrimplets can be eaten.
Avoid large or aggressive fish, persistent fin nippers, and boisterous tankmates that keep the school hiding. Do not keep one alone. A lone Neon Tetra is more likely to stay stressed, pale, and withdrawn.
Recommended Foods
- Hikari Micro Pellets, a properly sized daily staple
- Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Formula, use the small granules
- Hikari Bio-Pure Freeze-Dried Daphnia, a small natural treat
FAQ
Is this the same as a Black Neon Tetra?
No. This is a dark color morph of the classic Neon Tetra, Paracheirodon innesi. Black Neon Tetra is the separate species Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi.
How many should I buy?
Six is the minimum, but eight to twelve produces a calmer and more impressive school.
Will they stay black?
Yes, although stress, shipping, bright bare tanks, or poor water quality can temporarily wash out the color. Dark substrate, plants, good food, and a proper school bring out the strongest contrast.
Are they safe with shrimp?
They are peaceful with adult shrimp, but any tetra may eat very small shrimplets. Dense moss and plant cover improve survival.
Have a question?
Black Diamond Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
