Fish Profiles: Neon Tetra
The Neon Tetra is probably the world's most popular small tropical fish that really brightens up a freshwater tropical aquarium. Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) inhabit locations in South America - the Rio Taquari, Brazilarea and Paraguay River basins.
In the wild the neon tetra prefers to live in slow tributaries of large rivers with dark water that flows through the thick rain forest, so very small amount of sunlight gets into the water. The neon tetra lives in schools, a mid-level swimmer, and feeds on different insects.
Are Neon Tetra's easy to care for?
Neon tetra fish are quite easy to care for, and have no special dietary requirements. However neon tetra are not particularly hardy and may struggle to acclimatise and thrive in water of a higher pH. A pH level of around 6.8 would be ideal, and is definitely worth checking prior to adding to your fish tank to avoid issues. Neons are a shoaling fish and thrive in higher numbers, so having a larger planted aquarium with plenty of swimming room and good filtration is highly recommended.
What is the difference between Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra?
The easiest to spot difference between the two fish is the red stripe on the fishes body. The Cardinal Tetras red stripe on the lower half of the body will extend the full length of the fish, from eye to tail. Neon Tetra on the other hand have a red stripe on the lower half of the body extending from mid-body to the tail, often with a noticeable white patch at he front lower-half of the body. Cardinal's are often much larger and longer too.
Features
Typical purchase size: 1-2cm
Maximum size: 4cm
Origin: South America
Family: Characidae
Ideal number kept together: 6+
Water Conditions
Ideal conditions: pH 6.8, temp 25 °C
Ease of Care
Neon tetra, in the right water conditions, are easy to keep and care for. This tropical fish is great for hobbyist at all levels but they do need the right water conditions as they are not a particularly hardy or long-lived fish. Neon Tetra can be quite sensitive to different water chemistry, especially when initially acclimatising. A lower pH of around 6.8 is recommended.
What to Feed
Neons are omnivorous. The main fish food we recommend would be flake crushed up or small granules. As the Neon Tetra's are small they cannot take big granules. Occasional live or frozen food can be given as a treat, such as bloodworm, rotifers and daphnia.
Compatibility
House neon tetras in a well planted, larger aquarium with community fish of a similar size. They feel most comfortable when in a shoal of other Neon's. Popular tankmates include guppies, white cloud mountain minnow, harlequin rasbora.
Sexing
Neon Tetra are difficult to sex until shortly before breeding when the usual bright colour of the female becomes dull and the males develop a bright white border on the forepart of the anal fin.
Breeding
Breeding neon tetra in captivity may be challenging, because special water parameters are required. For successful breeding a tank with soft water 1-2 dGH and pH 5.0 – 6.0 is required. If the tank water is harder, neon tetra eggs won’t get inseminated.
A tank in a shady position seems to help and it is possible that bright light kills the eggs. Young tetra hatch out in 4 to 5 days and are around a tenth of an inch in length and present in a bright golden colour.
Life Span
Because Neon Tetra are quite intensively bred in captivity, they are not considered a particularly hardy or long-lived fish. Neon Tetra have a lifespan of 1-3 years in perfect conditions.
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Photo credit(s): Canva Pro Licence
