Description
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
Overview
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to the Amazon River basin (Brazil, Colombia, Peru), grows to about 3–4 cm . Renowned for its brilliant iridescent blue line along the body and a bright red stripe on the lower half, it is one of the most iconic aquarium fish. Its peaceful nature, striking colouration, and schooling Behaviour make it a favorite for community tanks, suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Introduced to the aquarium trade in the 1930s, it is widely captive-bred and readily available.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters with at least 60 cm frontage for a group of 6–10 fish. Larger tanks (60–100 liters) are preferred for active swimming and shoaling.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20–26°C, ideally 22–24°C
- pH: 5.0–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred, 5.5–6.5 optimal for breeding)
- Hardness: 1–10 dGH (soft water, 2–6 dGH for breeding)
- Nitrate: <20 mg/L
- Use a dechlorinator during water changes to neutralize tap water.
- Filtration: Gentle flow filter (sponge or hang-on-back) to maintain clean water without strong currents, as they prefer calm waters.
- Substrate: Dark, fine gravel or sand to mimic Amazonian riverbeds and enhance colouration.
- Décor: Heavily planted tank with fine-leaved plants (e.g., Java moss, Amazon sword, Cabomba) and floating plants (e.g., Salvinia) for cover. Add driftwood or leaf litter to release tannins, simulating blackwater conditions. Ensure open swimming space.
- Lighting: Dim or subdued to reduce stress and highlight their neon colours. Floating plants or low-wattage lights are ideal.
- Cover: Secure lid required, as they may jump when startled.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: Replace 25–30% of water weekly to maintain pristine conditions, as Neon Tetras are sensitive to nitrate and ammonium buildup.
- Tank Cleaning: Gently vacuum substrate and clean filter media monthly to avoid pollution. Avoid overstocking to reduce waste.
- Monitoring: Test water parameters (temperature, pH, hardness, nitrate) weekly, as fluctuations can lead to stress or disease. Use a reliable test kit.
- Health: Watch for signs of Neon Tetra Disease (fading colours, curved spine, lethargy), ich (white spots), or fin rot. Quarantine affected fish immediately.
- Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care, though often shorter in suboptimal conditions.
Diet
- Natural Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, microcrustaceans, and organic debris in the wild.
- Aquarium Diet:
- High-quality microflakes or micropellets (e.g., TetraMin Tropical Flakes, Fluval Bug Bites) as a staple, formulated for small fish.
- Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, cyclops) to boost health and colour.
- Occasional vegetable-based foods (e.g., spirulina flakes) for variety.
- Feeding Frequency: Small portions 2–3 times daily, ensuring food is consumed within 1–2 minutes to avoid water pollution. They feed in mid-to-upper water layers.
- Variety: A varied diet enhances their vibrant colouration and immune system.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour:
Peaceful, active, and shoaling, requiring groups of 6–10+ (ideally 15–20) to feel secure and display tight schooling. Small groups or solitary fish become stressed, shy, and prone to illness. They swim in mid-water layers and thrive in planted, dimly lit tanks.
Compatibility:
- Ideal for community tanks with small, non-aggressive species.
- Suitable tankmates:
- Small tetras (e.g., Ember Tetras, Rummy-Nose Tetras), rasboras, guppies
- Peaceful bottom-dwellers (e.g., Corydoras, Kuhli loaches, Otocinclus)
- Dwarf cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma), small gouramis
- Avoid large, predatory, or nippy fish (e.g., large cichlids, tiger barbs, bettas) that may stress or prey on them.
- Mixing with Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is possible in large tanks but may lead to cross-schooling or competition.
- Mixing Species: Avoid mixing with closely related species in small tanks to prevent hybridization or shoaling confusion.
Breeding Behaviour
Reproduction: Challenging but possible with precise conditions. Egg scatterers, laying 50–150 small, light-sensitive eggs among plants or spawning mops. Parents eat eggs, so removal post-spawning is essential.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
