Generally, the black neon tetra requires warm water conditions from 75°F to 82°F with a pH level between 5.5 to 7.5. These fish typically have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years in captivity. 10.

The neon tetra is the most famous and plentiful of all of the tetra species found in the ornamental fish trade. Each month, approximately 2 million neon tetra are sold in the U.S. alone.

Relatives — specifically neon tetra — can live for up to a decade in the wild but don’t do as well in aquariums. These tetras only make it an average of five to eight years in aquarium setups.