Platinum Neon Tetra
Posted by Max Gandara on on 28th May 2025
Platinum Neon Tetra: The Dazzling, Shimmering Jewel of Community Tanks
If you love the classic Neon Tetra but want something with an extra sparkle and a cool metallic twist, the Platinum Neon Tetra is the fish for you! This striking variant of the beloved Neon Tetra boasts brilliant silver-white scales with shimmering blue and red accents that create a shimmering, almost metallic effect — adding a new level of brilliance to your freshwater aquarium.
What is a Platinum Neon Tetra?
The Platinum Neon Tetra is a selectively bred variety of the popular Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), known for its stunning iridescent scales. While the traditional Neon Tetra is famous for its bright blue and red stripes, the Platinum Neon shows off a pearly, silver-white body with the characteristic neon blue stripe shimmering along its side and a subtle red hint near the tail.
This gives your tank a fresh and unique look while keeping all the wonderful behaviors and peaceful nature of the classic Neon Tetra.
Why Choose Platinum Neon Tetras?
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Eye-Catching Coloration: Their unique metallic sheen makes them sparkle under aquarium lighting, creating a dazzling display.
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Peaceful and Social: Ideal for community tanks, these tetras are schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6 or more.
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Small and Hardy: Growing up to about 1.5 inches, they adapt well to a range of water conditions, making them great for beginners.
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Active and Lively: Constantly swimming and exploring, they add movement and life to the mid-level of the aquarium.
Tank Setup and Care
To showcase your Platinum Neon Tetras at their best:
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small school (6+), larger tanks allow for more natural schooling behavior.
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Water Temperature: 70–81°F (21–27°C).
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pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.0–7.5.
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Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their metallic colors without stressing the fish.
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Decor: Include plenty of plants, both floating and rooted, along with smooth rocks and driftwood for hiding and resting spots.
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Filtration: Gentle filtration and regular water changes keep their environment clean and stable.
Feeding Platinum Neon Tetras
These tetras are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet:
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High-quality flake food or micro pellets form the staple of their diet.
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Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms for enhanced color and health.
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Feed small amounts 2 times daily, avoiding overfeeding to maintain water quality.
Behavior and Tankmates
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Platinum Neon Tetras are peaceful and schooling fish that prefer groups of 6 or more.
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Compatible with other small, non-aggressive fish such as rasboras, guppies, and corydoras.
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Avoid large, aggressive species that may bully or prey on them.
Breeding Platinum Neon Tetras
Breeding is similar to regular Neon Tetras:
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Soft, slightly acidic water and a well-planted tank encourage spawning.
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Females scatter eggs on plants or spawning mops; remove adults to protect eggs.
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Fry require tiny foods like infusoria or specially prepared fry food at first.
Final Thoughts
The Platinum Neon Tetra is a shimmering, peaceful, and lively addition to any community aquarium. Their unique metallic sheen and friendly nature make them a favorite among both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add sparkle and vitality to their tanks.
Want to add a shimmering school of Platinum Neon Tetras to your aquarium? Make sure to keep them in groups and provide a planted, stable environment for best results!