While commercially bred neon tetras have adapted well to a wide range of water conditions, in the wild they inhabit very soft, acidic waters that are usually cooler than the 25°C (77°F) at which most tropical aquaria are maintained. They can have a lifespan of up to ten years, or normally about five in an aquarium.
Neon tetras are considered easy to keep in a community aquarium at least 60 cm (24 inches) long] with a pH of 6.0 to 7.8 and a KH of 1.0 to 2.0