Hello Fish Friends! Continuing our species profile series, I want to talk to you about one of my all-time favorite fish - the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi).
These little guys come from the Amazon basin in South America and are found in heavily planted areas with slow-moving waters in the wild. So, when setting up their tank at home, try replicating this environment by adding plenty of plants, such as Java Moss and Java Fern, and creating a gentle current with a small powerhead or filter.
Neons are low maintenance, hardy, and can adapt to various water conditions. As a result, they are great fish for beginners. They prefer a slightly acidic water pH (between 6.0 and 7.0) and a water temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They also appreciate a well-filtered tank with a moderate water flow. A sponge filter is an excellent option, providing mechanical and biological filtration while creating a gentle water flow. Make sure to perform regular water changes and use a good water conditioner (Ex. Fritz Complete, Seachem Prime) to keep the water clean and healthy.
These beauties are not picky eaters and will gladly accept flakes, pellets, and even small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Mixing up their diet to ensure they get all the essential nutrients is a good idea. Feed them small amounts multiple times a day rather than one large feeding.
Neons are a peaceful species that do well in community tanks. They are very active and love to swim around in groups, and keeping at least 6-8 in a tank is recommended. They also have a unique neon blue and red coloration, making them popular for aquariums.
Finally, let's talk about breeding. Neon Tetras are relatively easy to breed, but getting them to spawn in captivity can be tricky. To increase your chances of success, try to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible, including providing plenty of plants and hiding spots. You should also provide a good diet and keep the water conditions stable. To encourage breeding, you can raise the water temperature to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and provide a high-quality, protein-rich diet.
Regarding breeding, I suggest setting up a separate breeding tank with a group of healthy adults. The breeding tank should have a pH between 6.0-7.0 and a water temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also provide plenty of hiding spots, such as Java Moss or a spawning mop, for the fish to lay their eggs.
Once the eggs have been laid, the parents should be removed from the tank to prevent them from eating them. The eggs will hatch in about 24-48 hours, and the fry should be fed small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp or micro worms.
Neon Tetras are one of the best fish for an aquarium. Their cuteness, activity, and ease of care make them excellent beginner fish. Better yet, they are easy on the budget too! Go check out your local fish store! Happy fish keeping!