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This is one of
the most popular aquarium fish because of its bright color. The Neon
Tetra originally came from
the upper Amazon near Peru, where it occupied dark locations. Neon Tetras have a stripe along the
length of their body that changes between blue and green depending on the
viewing angle. It is differentiated from the Cardinal
Tetra by the silver in the lower front half of the body, where the
Cardinal continues to be red. It is also very similar to the Glowlight
Tetra. The females have a slightly wider body and
this will cause the stripe to appear to bend.
Neon Tetras are easier to
transport
than Cardinal Tetras, which accounts for their popularity. They appreciate
blackwater conditions, which refers to the soft dark water created by the
accumulation of decaying leaves in slow moving and still waters. This can
be replicated by filtering through peat or by adding blackwater extract sold by
suppliers such as Tetra. This will turn the water an amber color. Neons should be
kept in a school of at least 6 and the more you increase their numbers, the
better the schooling effect. They will eat food flakes, spirulina, freeze-dried bloodworms and live foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
Neon Tetras will spawn if placed in acidic water. The pair should be fed live food. Peat
or blackwater extract can be used to greatly increase the chances of success in
breeding. The tank should be covered from all light at night and then
uncovered near dawn to induce spawning. The parents should be removed
after spawning.
For further information about breeding and about the Neon Tetra Disease,
visit FishandTips.com
| Scientific Name: |
Paracheirodon innesi |
| Family: |
Characin |
| Temperature: |
20 - 21
C; 68 - 79 F |
| PH |
6.5 |
| Size: |
2.5 cm;
1 inch |
| Life Span: |
8 years |
| Breeding: |
Difficult, Egg Layer |
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Tropical Fish Compatibility:
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Black Phantom Tetra,
Cardinal Tetra, Corydoras Catfish, Ghost
Shrimp, Glass Fish, Glow Light Tetra, Guppies, Honey Gouramis, Harlequin
Rasbora, Ram Cichlid, White Cloud
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Tropical fish and aquarium information about freshwater species, fish care, fish facts, compatibility and aquarium
maintenance.
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