Blue Diamond AKA Diamond Head Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi var. "Blue Diamond")

Blue Diamond Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi var. "Blue Diamond")

The Blue Diamond Neon Tetra is a stunning variant of the classic Neon Tetra, known for its vivid blue coloration and shimmering "diamond" marking along the upper body. This unique strain is relatively new to the hobby and is ideal for peaceful, planted community aquariums.

Overview

Blue Diamond Neon Tetras are small, active schooling fish that bring vibrant colour and constant motion to the aquarium. They prefer to be kept in groups of six or more, where they feel secure and display their best behaviour and colouration. As a tank-bred species, they are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Key Features

• Brilliant blue body with enhanced iridescence and a distinctive diamond-shaped marking

• Peaceful nature, ideal for community aquariums

• Well-suited for heavily planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water

• Active swimmers that inhabit the top and mid-levels of the aquarium

Care Information

• Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi var. “Blue Diamond”

• Common Name: Blue Diamond Neon Tetra

• Origin: Tank-bred (originally native to South America)

• Average Size: 2.5 – 3.8 cm

• Purchase Size: 0.6 – 2.5 cm

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons

• Temperature: 20 – 27.7°C

• pH: 5.5 – 7.0

• KH: 4 – 8 dKH

• Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods

• Behaviour: Peaceful, schooling species

Compatibility

The Blue Diamond Neon Tetra does well with other small, peaceful fish. It can also be kept with adult dwarf shrimp and larger peaceful invertebrates, though it may prey on shrimp fry. Ideal tankmates include rasboras, small tetras, corydoras, and other gentle species.

Feeding

These tetras are not picky eaters and do well on a varied omnivorous diet. Offer:

• High-quality micro pellets or flakes

• Frozen or freeze-dried foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms

• Occasional live foods to enhance colour and health

Aquascaping Tips

To bring out their best colouration and natural behaviour, house Blue Diamond Neon Tetras in planted tanks with dark substrates and gentle flow. Adding botanicals like Indian almond leaves can replicate their natural blackwater habitat and improve overall water quality.

Find vibrant, healthy Blue Diamond Neon Tetras at TopFin Aquatics – the perfect schooling fish to bring colour and movement to your aquarium.