The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae). The Neon Tetra is known for its peaceful nature and being a schooling species, it does well in group of 10 or more and is most known in the freshwater home aquarium. The fish is sturdy and inexpensive and is often one of the first fish species purchased by beginner aquarists.
The neon tetra has a light-blue back over a silver-white abdomen. It has a spindle shaped body and blunt nose. The neon tetra has an iridescent blue horizontal stripe along each side of the fish from its nose to the base of the adipose fin. A red stripe runs from the middle of the body to the base of the caudal fin. Most of the neon tetra will develop a olive green sheen lining their backs and the belly is of a silvery colour and the anal fin is nearly transparent. During the night, the blue and red become silver as the fish rests and reactivates once it becomes active in the morning. It grows to approximately 3 cm (1.25 in) in overall length.
Wild Neon Tetras are omnivore and feed on plant matter as well as on crustaceans, worms and small insects. They are not fuzzy eaters in the aquarium and will accept most flake foods, but should also have some small foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubiflex, and micro pellet food to supplement their diet. Remember to keep them on a varied diet to prevent malnutrition.
The Neon Tetra originates from westerns Brazil, south-eastern Columbia and eastern Peru and wild Neon Tetras can be found in the headwaters of the River Amazon, Tiger, Napo and Yarapa. It is native to the blackwater or clearwater streams, including the tributaries of the Solimoes where the water is between 20 - 26 degree C. However, it is not found in the whitewater rivers of Andean origin.
Today, an introduced population of fish.blogspot.com">Neon Tetra is established in Singapore. The commercially bred Neon Tetras have adapted well to a wide range of water conditions. The recommended pH range for the Neon Tetras is between 5.0 - 7.0 and the recommended dH range is 1 - 2. However, care have to be taken when they are first introduced to a new aquatic environment, as they will not tolerate dramatic changes.
Visit us at fish.blogspot.com">http://neontetrafish.blogspot.com for more information about Neon Tetras
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