How to Draw a Neon Tetra

Step 1: Small slim body

Start on the right. Draw a low back forward, round a snout, then the tummy back. Stop under the start.

Tip Small and slim: about 3 times longer than tall. Leave the right end open.

Step 2: Huge eye, tiny mouth

In the middle of the head draw one huge round eye with a dot and shine. Add a tiny smile.

Tip A neon tetra is tiny, so its eye looks enormous.

Step 3: Forked tail

Close the open end with a short line. From it draw 2 rounded tail lobes that meet in a dent.

Tip Add one short ray in each lobe.

Step 4: Tiny fins

On the back draw a tiny rounded fin. Under the tummy, near the tail, draw another tiny fin pointing back.

Tip Tetra fins are small and see-through: keep them short.

Step 5: Gill and side fin

Behind the eye draw a short curved gill line. Behind it, low down, draw a tiny leaf fin pointing back.

Step 6: Glowing stripe

From the gill draw a long line to the tail. Add a second line below, joining it near the tail.

Tip The neon stripe glows electric blue: it is the whole reason for the name.

Step 7: Red band

Halfway along the body draw a short curved line from the lower stripe line down to the tummy.

Step 8: Bubbles

In front of the face draw 3 bubbles floating up, each bigger than the last.

Step 9: Sand and seaweed

Draw a wavy sand line across the bottom. Stand 3 pointed seaweed leaves on it.

Step 10: Silver body, sandy floor

Colour the head, back and front tummy silver grey. Leave the eye and side fin white. Colour the floor sandy.

Step 11: Neon stripe, red band

Colour the stripe glowing blue. Colour the tummy behind the short line bright red, up to the tail.

Step 12: Pale blue fins

Colour the tail, the side fin and the 2 tiny fins light blue.

Step 13: Blue bubbles, green seaweed

Colour the bubbles light blue and the seaweed green. Go over your lines and you are done!