Neon Tetra
Common Names: Neon Tetra, Neon, Tetra
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
Maximum Size: 1 1/2 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 68 - 74 °F
pH Range: 5.0 - 7.0
Water hardness: Soft - Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: South America
Aquarium Setup:
Neon Tetras will thrive in a densely planted tank with lots of places to hide. The tank bottom should have a dark substrate and lighting should be subdued. Floating plants are often used to help shade aquariums.
Diet:
Neon Tetras are omnivores and will do well on worms, small insects and crustaceans. However, they will eat most types of foods such as flakes, freeze-dried and frozen. A tropical flake diet can be supplemented with brine shrimp, bloodworms or daphnia.
Tank Mates/Community:
Neons get along well with Dwarf Gouramis, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Plecos, Danios, Discus, Swordtails.
Behavior:
Neons are shoaling fish and there should always be at least five kept together, but the more you have the happier they will be. They are very active, energetic little swimmers that will dart back and forth almost constantly and require room to move.
Color:
Neon Tetras have blue lines running across each side of their bodies with the upper part being a dark olive green. From about the center of their body to the caudal fin is red and their bellies are silver.
Breeding:
These fish are egg scatterers and require clean, soft water for breeding. Adequate spawning conditions would be a small tank that is kept in a dark area. The tank bottom should be covered with approximately 2 inches of rocks and live plants.
Pairs should be kept together for 24 hours and then removed. Spawning usually takes place early in the morning and the clear eggs will be laid inside the plants. Eggs will hatch within 22 - 26 hours and the fry should be large enough to be visible in 3 or 4 days.
Interesting Notes:
When Neons are at rest their vibrant colors are turned off! A good way to tell if your Neons are stressed or sick is to note if the colors stay dim or if they return to their normal colors after the lights have been on for awhile! If the colors remain drab, the fish is either stressed or sick!
