Neon Tetras Eating Each Other

Have you ever wondered where did my fish go have you ever had a neon tetra disappear? That’s in part what I wanted to write about in this very article. In this article, I’m going to get to the bottom of the question on everyone’s lips Neon tetras eating each other. Surely not let’s find out.

The neon tetra is probably the most popular fish for hobbyists these days. They have a fantastic personality and incredible color how did they get that amazing color well check the article by clicking the link to find out.

These fish are friendly and love being in big groups they will need a big enough tank to play in too. How big of a tank for their size and schooling check this article for more detail. If these little fish doesn’t have enough room or the right water parameters they may start fighting and chasing one another.

But will they become cannibals? Surely neon tetras eating each other isn’t a thing well let’s dive in and find out. The answer may surprise you.

Do Neon Tetra Eat Each other?

Yes, indeed neon tetra will eat each other they will eat eggs young fish as well as dead neons and also any dead fish for that matter.

Do They Devour Each Other As Adults 

Two adults will not eat each other. Not while both are alive they may fight or chase which may result in fin-nipping and bullying behavior. That will result in stress and illness and eventually the death of a fish.

The neon tetra is pretty friendly on the whole. Plus they are very small so no real threat to most fish including themselves if anything they are more likely to be eaten than to eat other adult fish.

So no two neon adults will not attempt to eat each other but if one dies well now their fair game.

So Neon Tetras Will Eat Dead Fish

That’s correct these little fish are omnivores and will eat meat in their diets. This definitely includes other fish and as sad as it is to say it also includes other neon tetras. Cannibals they are so it seems. These fish along with most species of fish are very hungry all the time and don’t stand on ceremony when it comes to death.

If you happen to die you just become dinner although this leads to other possible diseases and illnesses like neon tetra disease which is passed by parasites feeding on dead fish nice.

Check the link above the illness link to learn more about neon tetra disease.

If a fish does die while in your tank it’s best to remove it asap before they become dinner. As any disease that fish may have been carrying can be transmitted to the other fish. 

Neons Eating Fry & Eggs 

These little fish our neon tetras are awesome little fish. Most of the time they are friendly and happy especially if kept in bigger groups in the correct water conditions. However, they have no concept of parenting I mean none zero they couldn’t care less about their young.

Any fry that survives needs moving asap or they’re gone. Believe me, it’s no joke neon tetra will take these little fish as appetizers all day and all night twice on Sundays. 

As for eggs well when a female lays her eggs bet she will be the first to eat some. As for him, he will only be a split second behind. They will eat them all if they could as if they were at a buffet. It’s so exhausting all that courting dancing and mating that when it’s all over there just so hungry.

How They Eat Each Other

Well, it’s more of a pack mentality if you die they seem to just get rid and move on. No hard feelings more food for them sort of thing. One fish will not eat a whole carcass which would take some time. Let’s be honest they are little fish with tiny mouths.

How they would eat is akin to pecking at the carcass until enough flesh comes off and then eating that piece by piece. Between a school of neons and other tank mates, the dead fish will be gone by morning.

Why Do Neons Eat Each Other

Fish have no spiritual or even ethical feelings food gives them life and if you die you become food simple. They don’t seem to care how the other fish died I mean most species would be suspicious if one of their mates dropped dead. Diseases and other issues could have played a role but no it’s fair game and time to eat.

This becomes even more apparent when looking at the fry and eggs. If any eggs survive long enough for fry to hatch and start swimming there in danger instantly from their own parents and the rest of the school it’s mad.

What surprises me more is how they have managed to reproduce so many neon tetras in the first place, especially in the wild. There seem to be so many its a miracle they’ve produced this many beautiful different types of neon fish. The neon tetra is one of if not the most popular fish for us hobbyists to keep.

They are becoming more popular day by day and there does not appear to be any shortage of this fish amazing when you think how hard it must be to survive.

Neon Tetras Eating One Another Conclusion 

In finishing this article id sum things up by saying yes neon tetra will eat each other. No, they won’t just swim up and take chunks out of one another. But if you are an egg or a little fry you have to say your prayers to survive.

As mummy and daddy are not going to help you in fact they may be the ones to eat you. Also just know if you do survive to adulthood when you die its likely one of your mates is gonna eat you. Thanks for reading and please feel free to look around the site for more great articles.