Common Name: Neon Tetra
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
Origin: Native to the Amazon River basin in South America.
Size: Typically around 1.5 inches (4 cm) when fully grown.
1. Tank Setup:
- Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small school of 6-8 tetras.
- Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C).
- pH: 6.0 to 7.5.
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (1-10 dGH).
- Filtration: A gentle filter to avoid strong currents. Sponge filters work well.
- Substrate: Sandy or fine gravel substrate to mimic their natural environment.
- Decoration: Dense planting with live plants like Java fern or Anubias and driftwood for hiding spots.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting, avoid overly bright setups as they prefer shaded areas.
2. Feeding:
- Neon Tetras are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet.
- Diet: High-quality flake food, micro-pellets, freeze-dried or frozen brine shrimp, and daphnia.
- Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day. Only feed what they can consume within 2-3 minutes.
3. Behavior and Compatibility:
- Schooling Fish: Keep in groups of at least 6 to 10 as they are social and feel secure in numbers.
- Temperament: Peaceful and compatible with other small, non-aggressive fish like Corydoras, small Rasboras, and Guppies.
- Tankmates to Avoid: Avoid large or aggressive species like Cichlids or Barbs.
4. Breeding:
- Breeding Setup: Provide a separate breeding tank with softer, slightly acidic water. Keep the tank dimly lit and include fine-leaved plants or breeding mops for egg-laying.
- Spawning: The female scatters eggs, and the male fertilizes them. Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Raising Fry: After 24-36 hours, the eggs will hatch. Feed fry infusoria or specially formulated fry food until they are large enough to eat micro-pellets.
5. Health Concerns:
- Common Issues: Neon Tetra Disease (a parasitic infection), Ich, and fin rot. Maintain good water quality and avoid overcrowding to prevent illnesses.
- Signs of Stress: Dull colors, lethargy, or loss of appetite can indicate stress or poor water quality.
Neon Tetras are hardy and beautiful fish that add vibrant color and peaceful energy to community tanks when properly cared for.
