Neon tetras or Paracheirodon innesi are members of the family Characidae. Characidae are commonly referred to as Characins. Neons are natives to southeastern Columbia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil, including the tributaries of Solimoes. They can be found in black water or clear water streams.
Neon tetras are one of the most commonly owned and easily recognizable freshwater species in the world. They are quite small as far as fish go, only reaching about 1.2 inches fully grown. This makes them ideal candidates for small aquariums where space is at a premium.
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.
There is a slightly more colorful member of the tetra family. Neons and cardinal tetras look very similar in appearance. Put them in the same aquarium together and most people wouldn’t be aware they are two different species. Both have metallic neon blue upper bodies and a brilliant red stripe in the center of their bodies. This stripe is found mid-body running to back the tail in neons. The stripe runs the entire length of a cardinal’s body. 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.
Neons are mid-tank swimmers. They are shoaling fish. Shoaling fish do not cope well when isolated from other members of their own species. Many will not survive in solitude. It is advisable to have at least four neons in your aquarium. This will help to insure that they adjust well to their new environment.
The strong community instinct in tetras does have a down side. Tetras have a tendency to be fin nippers. This characteristic is more apt to become problematic in a well established group. It is advisable no to house a tetra community with fish with full, billowing fins. Angelfish, bettas, and fancy tailed guppies are a definite no, no in an aquarium with a school of fin nippers in it.
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 70-79°F. If properly care for, you can expect these fish to live in excess of 5 years.
The exportation of species for hobby fish trade began to boom shortly after World War II. Neon tetras were among the first species to be sold under the label, tropical fish. Their introduction to Europe and the US helped to fuel what is now the multi-million dollar aquarium trade industry. At one time these fish commanded an insanely high price tag. Commercial fish farms have since brought their price well within range of the average aquarium enthusiast and made them one of the most popular fish in the world today.
Author Resource:-
Neon tetras are ideal for smaller aquariums. They would look fantastic in a desktop nano fish tank. If you liked my article, find out more fun filled facts about commonly kept freshwater aquarium fish by check out the fish buying guide.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://online-business-articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
