tell me everything about neon tetras

[william11373]

i wanna get it for my10 gallon tank

 

[fishwatcher]

Need to be in schools of atleast 5-6; prefer soft, slightly acidic water; are weaker fish and need to be added once the tank is mature for best results. Are sensitive and are usually one of the first fish to react is something is wrong in the tank. They can be nippy, esp to fish with longer flowing fins.
I think this is all I know about them. I had them, but kept killing them so I gave up for now. In a year or so I may try again.
Good luck!

 

[william11373]

so they die easily ?!?!?!?!

 

[Fiddlesticks]

They dont die too easily if your tank is mature and your water is good. They do not live as long as bigger fish though. Only a couple years for the little ones, a little longer for the jumbo type. Just be careful to not overfeed them because they are only little baby fishies.

 

[william11373]

ok

 

[fishwatcher]

I agreee with Fiddlesticks. THey are fine in mature tanks = tanks that have been up for at least 4-6 months, with no big problems. They are very sensitive to water problems, which is why they aren't recommended for newer tanks. I found this out after I had stocked my brand new tank with them. After buying 17 through the first month, only 2 are still alive, and they are in a better tank now.

 

[Maroonostrich]

When I asked about lifespans I got told they could live for 10 years!!

I love them. This probably is not helpful but I got a band of 6 as my first lot. They are so entertaining! When they first got into the tank they crawled around in indian file checking everything out. They are always having little arguments where two pair off and chase eachother for a bit. They learned SOOO fast that when I was in the room they might get fed and they all come flying to the front of the tank when I come in!

Grow to about an inch... Need company obviously and would probably fade away if kept singly or as a pair- check the tank carefully when you buy them and ideally get them from a tank where every individual looks healthy- you may develop a squint...

Suffer from Neon tetra disease.. Of course!! Can anyone tell me what that is?!!

 

[Jen]

What other kinds of fish do you have William?
And by the way... if you decide to get them, and don't have a llight hooked up, you won't see the nice red and blue colours to them. They tend to look more grey all over with out lights. They sorta look sick.

 

[william11373]

your icons from neopets

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Holy cow 10 years Those must be jumbos. The longest I had any live was 4 years I think. I could be wrong though. Maybe it was 5. You know how the years fly by and you dont even notice. And that batch of neons have been gone for a couple years. I finnally got a new batch about 6 months ago and the are doing great. But If someone got some normal ones to live 10 years I am very impressed. They are very pretty fish with the lights on too.

 

[Jen]

your icons from neopets

Yep. That's Illusen the Earth faerie! She's my favourite.

 

[lilfishie]

When I asked about lifespans I got told they could live for 10 years!!

Wow thats a long time i thought mine were old at 5 years