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Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) |
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Photo of: Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
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Scientific Name(s): Paracheirodon innesi
Common Name(s): Neon Tetra
Family: Characidae
Species Type: Characins
Maximum Size: 1.5 inches
Life Span: 10 years
Natural Habitat: South American streams and rivers
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Tank Region: All over
Possible Tank Mates: Other non aggressive community fish.
Description: Easily the most popular fish of all aquarium fishes. The Neon Tetra was a very exciting addition to the aquarium hobby when first introduced in the 1930's, and is still sought after by aquarium enthusiasts today!
A school of Neon Tetras makes a brilliant display with each fish having a very beautiful red stripe (running halfway up the body) next to an an electric blue neon stripe.
Today the Neon Tetra shares the popularity spotlight with its close relative the Cardinal Tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi. The Cardinal Tetra, though similar in appearance, is a bit more gaudy with Its' red coloring runs the whole length of the body, and a bit more delicate. The Neon Tetra is much easier to keep and to breed than the Cardinal Tetra.
An active schooling fish and one of the most peaceful tetras, the Neon Tetra is a very desirable community fish. Keep them only with other small fishes or in their own tank. Their small size can easily make them a qourmet meal for larger fishes!
The Neon Tetra can live 10 years or more with the proper conditions!
The Neon Tetras are most comfortable and show their best colors when kept in a school of 6 or more fish. They like a planted aquarium and a dark gravel substrate. Their water should be soft, clean, slightly acidic, and changed regularly.
Temperature Range 68°F - 80°F
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65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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Breeding Information: Spawing is not particularly difficult but raising fry is a challange. It is difficult to find food small enough for them to eat. |
Sexing Information: The male is slender and the blue line is straighter. The female is rounder producing a bent blue line. |
Diet: Since they are omnivorous the Neon Tetra will generally eat all kinds of small or finely ground foods; live, fresh, and flake. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.
Temperment: Community Fish
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Common Diseases: Note: The Neon Tetra will occasionally develop Neon Tetra Disease. This has been identified as a microscopic sporozoan in the genus Plistophora. It shows up on the fish as a spreading spot or blemish beneath the dorsal fin. There have been attempts to cure this disease with the use of Methylene Blue, but it is not always successful, so the disease is considered uncurable. This disease has also been spotted on Glowlight Tetras Hemigrammus erythrozonus, and Rosey Tetras Hemigrammus erythrozonus. This profile has been viewed 9973 times. |
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African Catfish
