Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra (thanks to Nisha for the picture)


Lutino Neon Tetra (thanks to The_Wolf for the picture)


Common Name: Neon Tetra

Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi

Family: Characidae

Origin: Blackwater streams in South America

Maximum size: 1.75" (4.5cm)

Care: Prefer to be in a shoal of at least 6 with subdued lighting. Dark substrate is preferred as well as places too hide. Keep away from large or aggressive tankmates. Neons are the natural food for many fish, including Angelfish. Prefers soft, acidic water with a PH of 6-7. Can be acclimiated to a wide range of PH. Temperature should be 68-79° F (20-26° C)

Feeding: Feed quality flake, frozen or live bloodworm, daphnia or brine shrimp for variety or as a treat.

Sexing and breeding: Females are plumper when viewed from above and have a bent blue line. Males are slimmer with a straight blue line. Neons are egg scatterers. Feed fry with baby brine shrimp or infusoria.

Comments: Neon tetras became wildly popular in the 1920s and sparked a surge in fishkeeping as a hobby. They are the first species in which Neon Tetra Disease was discovered, and named after. There is no known cure for Neon Tetra Disease and is not restriced to neons.