Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
The Neon Tetra is a prevalent aquarium fish. It is sturdy and relatively cheap and is often one of the first fish species a beginner aquarist keeps.
A shoal of these bright Tetras will add colour as well as activity to the aquarium.
Because the Neon Tetras stay relatively small and have a peaceful temperament, you will find them in community aquariums.
Their bodies are slender and torpedo-shaped and from their nose, to the adipose fin they display a characteristic bright neon blue lateral stripe, underneath this the neon tetra sports a silvery-white belly. Past the abdomen, a bright red line extends to the tail.
Neon Tetras come in three varieties, these include the Golden strain that is a semi albino type, a Long-finned Neon Tetra, however, this is quite rare, as well as a Diamond Neon Tetra that displays metallic scales along the top portion of the body.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Paracheirodon |
| Origins | Brazil, Colombia, Peru |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | up to 5 year |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 68 - 80℉ 20 - 26.7℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Neon Tetra will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Neon Tetra could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexing Neon Tetras can be challenging as the gender differences are not apparent in this species. Still, the female usually has a more significant and more rounded belly, creating an impression of a curved blue line, whereas the male's line will be straight.