They do best between 73 and 79 degrees F but can live for short periods with temperatures in the 60's or up into the low 90's. They prefer a pH of about 6 but can live in a pH from 5 to 7. While neons can adapt to water with a pH greater than 7, they will not breed in such alkaline water. The water should be clear and clean so frequent water changes are needed. The water should be very soft.
Neons eat most flake foods and small live, freeze-dried, and frozen foods.
Most neons swim in the middle and lower portions of the tank. Neons can get neon tetra disease caused by the sporazoan Plistophora hypessobryconis . Symptoms include losing color, milky coloration, sluggishness, eratic swimming, jerking movements, separating from the rest of the school, restlessness, weight loss, and a pale area beneath the dorsal fin. Sexing In sexually mature fish, the females are larger, rounder, and fatter. From above, the female appears wider.