Mary Allen
| Scientific name: | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Synonymous: | Cheirodon innesi, Hyphessobrycon innesi |
| Classification: | Order: Characiformes, Family: Characidae , Genus: Paracheirodon; |
| Common name: | Neon tetra, Neonfisch, Neon, Tetra Neon |
| Origin/Distribution: | Amazonian mountains Peru: Loreto Iquitos and Brazil: Rio Putumayo, São Paulo de Olivenca, Rio Purus |
| Difficulty level: | Normal |
| Behavior: | peaceful |
| Water parameters: | Temperature 21°C – 28°C, pH 4 – 7.5 |
| Feeding: | omnivore |
| final size: | up to 4 cm |
| Licht: | dim lighting |
| Aquarium size: | from 60 L, edge length at least 60 cm |
| Life expectancy: | up to 10 years |
| gender differences: | Females: thicker abdomen and crease in blue band; Male: small indentation behind the head |
| socialization: | with other South American small fish with the same temperature values |
| social behavior : | Keeping in a swarm from 20 animals |
| food : | Dry food , water fleas, Cyclops or Artemia |
The neon tetra, scientifically named Paracheirodon innesi, is one of the most attractive of the many tropical fish in the aquarium hobby. One could say that neon tetra is a classic fish that never fails in the freshwater aquarium. Despite this, the neon tetra has gotten a bad reputation in recent years because it is difficult to keep it in our aquarium, because despite the ideal conditions for keeping this species, many commercial lines have a great weakness and sensitivity due to the different breeding methods that used to meet the large global demand from aquarists around the world.
So, the bad reputation of neon tetras could be due to the increasing demand and the methods breeders use to meet that demand due to inbreeding in neon tetra fish farming.
Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi
Common name: neon fish, neon salmer
Fish size: 4 cm
Temperature: 21°C – 28°C
Attitude: easy
Aquarium size: 60 liters
Neon fish natural habitat
The neon tetra, or Paracheidoron inessi, is a small tropical freshwater fish native to South America that lives in schools or shoals along various rivers in South America. Found in many sections of the Amazon basin in Peru, it likes the well-known “black waters”, i.e. waters where the high percentage of organic matter colors the water amber, giving it ideal characteristics for Amazonian species.
Discovered in 1940 by Auguste Rabout and after a few years of selection and purification of the commercial line of the species, the neon tetra has reached and reigns in the homes of aquarists around the world, being the protagonist of aquariums of all kinds. This type of small, showy ones Fish stands out in those planted aquariums where the elegance of neon fish is coordinated with the good work of the designer to create an incredible aquarium as a result. After the goldfish and the guppy, it is one of the best-known ornamental freshwater fish.
What does the neon tetra look like?
A member of the Caraccidae family, neon tetras are peaceful tropical fish kept in groups of 6 or more. Although not exceeding 4 cm, it is a colorful fish with a life expectancy of around 7-8 years. With a silvery body that mixes with red and blue, which makes this species so distinctive. It is undoubtedly one of the best fish to form a shoal in a planted aquarium, as it creates a great color harmony with its colorful body and the different shades of plants.
Differences between males and females
Although there are few significant differences, by the time they reach sexual maturity (around 12 months of age), females tend to be more robust and have a rounder abdomen than males.
Differences between neon tetras and cardinal fish
It has been confused with the cardinalfish from the start, and their similar morphology and coloration is worth misunderstanding. As you can see below, the cardinalfish and neon tetra have a blue line that extends to the caudal fin. However, the clear difference is in the red area, since the cardinal fish occupies the entire ventral area and the neon tetra only part of it.
Neon fish care
Here we show you the most important neon fish care procedures so that you have the information you need to fully enjoy and care for your neon fish.
Neon Fish Water Parameters
The neon tetra is an acid and soft water fish that does well with the following parameters:
pH: between 5 and 7
Temperature: 20°C – 26°C
Water hardness or Gh: 1° to 10° dGh
Acidic and hard water, the opposite of what is recommended, causes serious problems for neon tetras, causing intestinal problems and lowering their immunity, making them much more susceptible to disease. They are also very sensitive to nitrogenous compounds, so biological filtration and aquarium maintenance must be very efficient.
Feeding Tetra Neon
They happily accept all commercially available types of food, whether in flake form, small pellets or frozen. It is very important to provide a varied diet that always includes live or frozen food. You should also offer plant-based foods to avoid possible intestinal disorders, especially constipation.
The aquarium for neon fish
It’s very common to see small fish in small aquariums, sounds a bit obvious doesn’t it? Well, this leads to a common mistake. Small fish look much better in large aquariums, where the shoal of tetras can enjoy a comfortable, continuous swim through a large forest of plants. Neon tetras need an aquarium larger than 60 liters, which is the minimum size you can fit a dozen tetras in a small school. Also, the presence of plants for breeding is very advisable. The lighting should not be too bright or shady areas with floating plants should be created. Neon fish show their most beautiful colors when the temperature is around 24 degrees. With optimal water values, neon tetras can live up to 10 years.
Acclimatization and Care: The 2 keys to enjoying a healthy and active neon tetra
Remember to put at least 6-8 or more neon tetras in your tank, which should already be fully established. Investing a little extra time during the acclimatization process will prevent our fish from becoming overly stressed and will help them better adapt to their new home. It is also important to change the water regularly to avoid excessive nitrate levels.
With a good acclimatization to the new aquarium and a constant routine of cleaning and water changes we shouldn’t have any major problems keeping a nice school of neon tetras in perfect condition.
Socialize the neon fish
As you may have noticed, it is important to keep neon tetras in groups, otherwise they will not be active and you will not enjoy their elegant colors and behavior. They can also appear vulnerable and aggressive. If we refer to their behavior with other species, unless the little neon tetra fits into the mouth of a larger fish, there are few incompatibilities. That said, you should avoid the presence of large fish that could feed on tetras. It is also very important that all of the fish you add to your aquarium need the same water parameters to ensure they are all in their ideal environment. It makes a good tank partner for the butterfly cichlid, who feel secure in its presence. The neon fish should not be kept with bettas as they consider them food.
Propagation of Tetra Neon Fish
Breeding Tetra Neon in the aquarium is extremely difficult. Especially if these fish are part of a community aquarium. Therefore, to prevent all clutches from being eaten, it is very important to have a heavily planted aquarium. Large clumps of moss for laying eggs and leafy plants as shelter for the newly hatched juveniles are important so that a few newborns can survive.
On the other hand, if you want to attempt breeding in a purely breeding aquarium, we recommend that you use plenty of moss and even some of the mop used in killifish breeding. A spawn mop is a tuft of wool, making it much easier to succeed. Females typically lay between 100 and 300 eggs, many of which can be eaten by the parents. Once the eggs have filled the moss or peat, they should be separated. Since the young hatch in a short time (2-3 days), you should prepare infusoria or hatchling Artemia to feed the young once they have consumed the yolk sac. In order for the young animals to grow properly, constant water changes are necessary, which also serves to keep the water in perfect condition.
One of the most important aspects is the quality of the water. They must ensure ideal parameters for breeding: an acidic pH (around 6) and a very low hardness. For this you can use peat, alder cones, cattapa leaves, etc., which lower the pH by a few tenths and also form tannins that enrich the water, which all tetras like best.
The neon sickness
White spots are a sign of neon disease, which is transmitted by parasites. This typical disease, which can occur in tetra-like fish and barbel, is transmitted via infested feed. The natural luster of the fish disappears and the backbone of the fish becomes crooked. The disease is contagious and therefore infected fish should be removed from the tank immediately.
Why buying neon fish for your aquarium can be the best choice?
Buying neon fish can make a big change in your freshwater aquarium. The neon fish will add color and elegance to your aquarium, especially if it is a planted aquarium, and will ensure that you cannot take your eyes off your beloved work of art.
Are neon tetras hard to take care of?
While Neon Tetras are one of the easier fish to care for, that doesn’t mean their care requirements should be looked over or neglected. They still have specific water parameters that need to be met in order for them to be healthy.
How many neon tetras should be kept together?
Neons should be kept in a group of at least six. Any less than this and they might start getting nervous and aggressive with each other. Keep in mind, this is an absolute minimum.
What do neon tetras need in their tank?
For a natural look fit a black background and decorate the tank with sand, leaves and wood. Plastic or live plants can be used but are not essential. Live plants do aid water quality however and can provide shade for Neons as well as providing somewhere to take cover and breed.
Are neon tetras good for beginners?
With their bright neon blue coloration, neon tetras have been a favorite among fishkeepers for ages. With colors that rival marine fish, they are indeed one of the most beautiful freshwater species to keep. Only reaching one inch in length, they certainly are able to fit comfortably into most beginner’s tanks.
Do neon tetras need light at night?
No, neon tetras do not need light at night. Neon tetras require 8–10 hours of darkness and 12–14 hours of light during the day every day to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
Do neon tetras need a bubbler?
Neon tetras need a lot of oxygen, and they will suffocate in a tank without enough aeration.
How do you know if neon tetras are stressed?
If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.
Do neon tetras produce a lot of waste?
When keeping Neon Tetras it doesn’t take much to keep their habitat and water clean. Due to their small size, these fish don’t produce a ton of waste. This means your tank will be just fine with a standard sponge filter.
Can neon tetras live in a tank without a filter?
Yes, Neon Tetras can live in an aquarium without a filter.
Do neon tetras need moving water?
Whether tetras like current or not depends on the tetra species. Most tetras prefer current because they come from rivers and streams with moving water. However, they like mild and steady water current. If the current is too strong, tetras will struggle to swim in the water and become stressed.
Do neon tetras need a heater?
They are tropical fish, and therefore need to be kept in heated aquariums. While your aquarium may get to the desired temperature range for most of the day, most is not enough for our neon friends. An aquarium heater is a necessary investment, and your Neon Tetra will thank you for it.
Can tetras live without heater?
Yes, tetras do need a heater as they thrive in temperatures between 75°F and 80°F and depend on the water temperature for proper metabolism and breeding. If the water temperature is not proper, the immune system of the tetras will be affected, and they will become prone to diseases and infections.
How often should you feed neon tetras?
Feed the tetras anywhere from two to four times a day, using the amount you measured previously to dictate how much food they will eat in a day. In the wild, neons are foragers and opportunistic feeders. The multiple feedings mimic their natural feeding behaviors.
Do neon tetras eat algae?
As omnivores, Neon Tetras will eat some algae. They will nibble on algae which may help control the algae growing in your aquarium. However, they are not dedicated herbivores, so they will not survive on algae alone.
Do neon tetras lay eggs?
A single female tetra can lay anywhere from 60 to 130 eggs, which take approximately 24 hours to hatch. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, return the adults to their regular tank as they will tend to eat the eggs or the fry once they hatch.
How do you tell if a tetra is male or female?
Tetras do have some differences between sexes, which vary based on the species. The females are a bit larger and plumper than males. Males are often more vibrantly colored and may have longer fins than their female counterparts.
How long are neons pregnant for?
Depending on how many male and female parents you have in your tank, you may see the eggs hatch quickly or not at all when they are ready to hatch. The neon tetra species has a very short gestation period, about 14 weeks.
How many babies do neon fish have?
Neon Tetras can lay about 60 to 120 eggs in one go. Even more surprisingly, Neon Tetra eggs take up to 24 hours to hatch.
How often do tetra fish lay eggs?
Tetras can lay eggs every two weeks in the wild. However, in captivity it can be unpredicable as the conditions are not ideal.
How big do neon tetras get?
It grows to approximately 4 cm (1.5 in) in overall length. They have recently become available in a long-fin variety.
How long do neon tetras live?
In the wild they inhabit very soft, acidic waters (pH 4.0 to 4.8) Ideal pH for aquarium is 7.0, but a range of 6.0 to 8.0 is tolerable. They can have a lifespan of as long as ten years, but normally just two to three years in an aquarium.
How many neon tetras in a 10 gallon?
Remember, you can fit 7 Neon Tetras in a 10-gallon tank if they are each 1.5 inches long, but chances are that they will probably be around 1.6 or 1.7 inches long each, so to be safe, we would go with 6 of them per 10 gallons.
Do neon tetras die easily?
Neon tetras can live up to ten years, but they can die easily with the slightest change in the fish tank environment. If there are any drastic changes in the water chemistry, the fish begin experiencing stress, depression and develop low immunity.
How many neon tetras in a 10 gallon tank?
Remember, you can fit 7 Neon Tetras in a 10-gallon tank if they are each 1.5 inches long, but chances are that they will probably be around 1.6 or 1.7 inches long each, so to be safe, we would go with 6 of them per 10 gallons.
How many neon tetras in a 3 gallon tank?
We can use the ‘one inch per gallon’ rule for small fish that don’t grow over 3 inches long. So, going by the formula, the ideal number of tetras in a 3-gallon tank is 2-4. You can add 2 neon tetras that grow around 1.5 inches long. As for small ones like ember tetras, you can add 4.
What do neon tetras eat?
Neon tetras are omnivores, meaning that they will eat both plant and animal material. Fine flake food, small granules, live or frozen brine shrimp or daphnia, and frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms are all good food choices.
How to sex black neon tetras
Sexing the fish can be difficult. However, the easiest way to distinguish males and females is by looking at their bellies. Females tend to have larger and more rounded bellies than females. This is especially true when the female reaches maturity and is ready for breeding.
How to breed tetras neon
To breed neon tetras, start by setting up a breeding tank using soft, slightly acidic water. Then, set the tank in a dark place and introduce some adult tetras into it. Tetras typically breed after a few days, but if this doesn’t happen then slightly adjust the pH and temperature of the water.
How many neon tetras per gallon?
Neon Tetra fish have a slim build, so we can maintain the golden rule: keep one inch of fish per 1 gallon of water. Using this formula, the total number of tetra fish you can keep in an aquarium is divided by the average size of your fish. So, you can add one tetra fish for every one gallon of water.
How to care for neon tetras
What do neon tetras eat in the wild?
Brine Shrimp.
Earthworm.
Maggots.
Mysis Shrimp.
Frozen Blood Worms.
Tubifex Worms.
Fish Flakes.
Daphnia.
How many neon tetras in a 20 gallon tank?
The thumb rule to follow for neon tetras is for a 1 gallon per 1 inch long tetra fish. So 20 gallons tank typically means 20 tetras. And Yes you can mix the two black and red tetras half and half – with thumb rule being followed.
Can goldfish live with neon tetras?
Goldfish and neon tetras cannot live together due to the following reasons: Warm aquariums are better for neon tetras, while cold tank water is better for goldfish. It is best to keep neon tetras at 28-30°C, and goldfish at 23-24 °C. Neo tetras can be eaten by goldfish.
What do neons need in the aquarium?
The optimal water temperature for neon tetras is between 20 and 25°C, since the same water temperatures prevail in their homeland, the rainforest of Peru. Neon fish feel most comfortable in their aquarium at a pH value between 5 and 7 and a maximum hardness value of 10°dH.
Why are neon fish dying?
You don’t have fully grown neons, they’re a little more susceptible to stress anyway. failures are nothing unusual, especially if you haven’t been in the dealer pool for long and have therefore been under a lot of stress lately. so it doesn’t have to be something wrong.
How long do neon tetras live in the aquarium?
In nature, neon tetras are often seasonal fish, like many other small tetras. They live in nature for an average of 1 to 2.5 years. In the aquarium they can live up to 6 to 10 years.
How often do you have to feed neon tetras?
Never feed too much at once, but only as much as the fish can eat in a few minutes (exception: fresh green fodder). It is best to feed several portions throughout the day, but at least in the morning and evening.
How do neon fish sleep?
Fish sleep with their eyes open. The reason: they have no eyelids. Some fish do not see well at night or are blind. That’s why they hide.
How long should the light in the aquarium be on?
A lighting period of 8 – 10 hours has proven itself in our aquariums. However, the lighting should not be switched on for four hours before work and five hours after work.
Can you turn off the aquarium filter at night?
No, you cannot switch off the filter at night because otherwise the valuable bacteria would die.
Can fish sleep with light?
Fish also register light and dark times of the day. They do it inconspicuously, but they do it: sleep.
Is moonlight good in the aquarium?
The biggest benefit of moonlight in the aquarium is that it mimics the natural environment of a coral reef. Even in nature, animals are not in complete darkness after daylight: the moon gives enough light. It is therefore advisable to use a night light in the aquarium.