Neon Tetra Care & Breeding

Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) belong to the family Characidae. This large and diverse family is undoubtedly better known by their less formal names, Characins or Characids. There are close to 800 varieties of Characids ranging from Southwest Texas to Brazil.

Neons are one of the most popular choices among freshwater aquarists. They only grow to a little over an inch in length. This makes them perfect for smaller applications like the thin-line wall mounted aquariums and desktop nano tanks that have become so popular in recent years.

Neon tetras have translucent bodies. Their nearly see through bodies don't stop them for being one of the most colorful fish you can buy for a freshwater aquarium. Juxtaposed against the bodies is a dual set of color extravaganza. A luminescent blue racing stripe runs from head to tail. Underneath the metallic blue, a brilliant red stripe begins at mid-body and travels back to the base of their tail fin. [youtube:yHswnsAv3YA;[link:See Neon Tetras];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHswnsAv3YA&feature=related]

If the visual drama color brings to an aquarium is the ultimate objective, you may wish to consider an even more colorful species. Neons are closely related to cardinal tetras. At first glance they may appear virtually identical. There is in fact only a single distinguishing feature that identifies them as two separate species. The intense red stripe that runs half the length of a neon's body runs from head to tail on a cardinal. This trait diminishes the fish's translucent quality, but makes for an overall more colorful addition to your aquarium. Cardinal tetras are, in fact, often referred to as red neon tetras.

Neons are timid creatures. They should not be housed with more aggressive species. They are also very small as far as fish go. Don't house them with larger species unless you don't mind waking up with one less fish in your aquarium. You will also want to make sure provide them with plenty of hiding places. Lots of plants and rocks or aquarium decor will help them fell more secure in their new accommodations.

Tetras are shoaling fish. Shoaling fish are highly social animals. They should always be kept in a group rather than as a single species. This allows them to commune as they would in nature. Buying a single neon will greatly reduce its chances of properly acclimating to its new surroundings. A minimum of four neon tetras in a tank is advisable.

There is yet another factor to consider when deciding whether these fish are right for your particular aquarium. Tetras are notorious fin nippers. The more neons you have together, the higher the likelihood that this will become a problem. Long, flowing fins like those found on a betta fish or a fancy tailed guppies will most likely prove to be a taste treat to tempting to pass up.

Neons are omnivores. They are perfectly cable of surviving on common tropical fish flakes. They thrive in slightly acidic (pH 6.8) with water temperatures between 70-79F. If properly care for, you can expect these fish to live in excess of 5 years.

Neon tetras were one of the original species that sparked what is now the global aquarium trade industry. The mass export of these fish, first to Europe and then to the US in the mid-twentieth century, brought the phrase "tropical fish" to the forefront among freshwater aquarists. The initial appeal of these previously unknown exotic little beauties commanded incredibly steep prices. Most of the neons sold on the market today are commercially raised. This keeps them very affordable and puts them well within reach of any budget minded aquarist.

Neon tetras don't need a lot of room. Any desktop nano tank. is large enough to keep an entire family of them in. They don't take up much space and they make great accent pieces to your dcor. To uncover more interesting facts on freshwater aquarium fish check out our online fish guide.