The tiny blue and yellow fish being referred to are likely neon tetras. Neon tetras are small, freshwater fish that originate from South America. They are some of the most popular aquarium fish kept by hobbyists due to their bright colors, schooling behavior, and ease of care. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of neon tetras, their natural habitat, proper care in an aquarium, breeding, and some interesting facts about these little fish.
Description and Natural Habitat
| Common Name | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Size | 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) |
| Natural Habitat | Streams and tributaries of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America |
| Water Conditions | Soft, acidic water. Temperature 72-82°F (22-28°C). pH 4.5-7.0 |
Neon tetras are small, freshwater fish that grow to about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) in length. They have an elongated, torpedo-shaped body with a blue-green back overlaid with an iridescent blue horizontal stripe. Their bellies are silver-white with a red stripe that runs horizontally from their nose to the base of the adipose fin. Their fins are mostly translucent except for some blue on the dorsal fin.
In the wild, neon tetras inhabit soft, acidic, blackwater streams and tributaries of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru in South America. They prefer densely vegetated habitats with lots of driftwood and submerged tree roots. The water is very warm, with temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C), and acidic, with a pH of 4.5-7.0. There is little water flow in their natural environment.
Aquarium Care
Neon tetras are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish due to their bright colors, schooling behavior, and hardy nature. Here are some guidelines for keeping them healthy in an aquarium:
| Tank Size | Minimum 10 gallons for small school. Larger tank recommended. |
|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | Very soft to moderately hard |
| Tankmates | Small tetras, rasboras, catfish, shrimp, snails |
– Tank Size – Neon tetras are active fish that need ample swimming space. A minimum 10 gallon tank is recommended for a small school of 6-8 fish. Larger tanks are ideal as they allow more swimming room and larger schools.
– Water Temperature – Neon tetras do best in warm water between 72-82°F. Lower temperatures can weaken their immune system. A heater may be needed to maintain the temperature.
– Water Parameters – Neon tetras prefer soft, acidic water but are adaptable to a wide pH range of 5.5-7.5. Hardness should be very soft to moderately hard. Perform regular water changes to replenish minerals and prevent buildup of waste.
– Tankmates – Neon tetras are peaceful fish that do well with other small, non-aggressive tetras, rasboras, catfish, shrimp, and snails. Avoid keeping them with large or nippy fish that may prey on them.
– Decor – Neon tetras like a heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Include fine-leaved plants like mosses and ferns. Driftwood, rock caves, and dim lighting help mimic their natural habitat.
– Feeding – In the wild neon tetras feed on tiny invertebrates and insects. Offer a variety of foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, micro pellets, crushed flakes, and blanched vegetables. Feed several small meals per day.
With the proper setup and care, neon tetras can live 2-5 years in captivity. Their bright colors and active schooling make them an attractive addition to community aquariums.
Breeding Neon Tetras
Breeding neon tetras in an aquarium can be challenging but rewarding if successful. Here are some tips for neon tetra breeding:
– Use a separate 10-20 gallon breeding tank with fine-leaved plants, driftwood, dim lighting, and clean soft water.
– Water parameters should mimic their natural environment – temperature around 75°F, pH 5.5-6.5, and very soft water. Use peat filtration to soften and acidify the water.
– Condition the breeding pair with high quality live and frozen foods for several weeks before introducing them to the breeding tank.
– Use a breeding pair that is at least 6-9 months old. Males can be identified by their more slender body shape and longer dorsal fin.
– Spawning usually occurs in the morning. The male will chase and nip at the female, encouraging her to deposit up to 35 eggs among the plants. The adults should then be removed promptly.
– The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours. Feed the fry infusoria, then finely crushed powdered fry foods once they are free-swimming.
– Maintain excellent water quality and frequent small water changes. The fry grow quickly and can be moved to a community tank after 6-8 weeks.
Breeding neon tetras requires some experience, specialized equipment, and close monitoring of water parameters. While challenging, it can be an extremely rewarding process!
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about neon tetras:
– Neon tetras have only been kept in the aquarium hobby since the 1930s after being imported from South America. Their popularity exploded in the 1950s.
– In the wild, neon tetras eat mainly small crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae. Their varied diet in aquariums has allowed them to display brighter, more vibrant colors.
– Neon tetras communicate using their side stripe pattern. Flashing the stripe signals alarm, while a broad stripe indicates aggression between males.
– The name “neon tetra” was coined due to their neon blue stripe that glows under natural blackwater conditions. This glow comes from special pigment cells under their skin.
– Neon tetras school together for protection from predators. Each tetra assumes a specific place and role in the school based on its size and age.
– Hundreds of selective breeding programs have produced many color morphs of neon tetras, like red, blue, gold, and albino strains. However, the wild-type is still the most popular.
– Neon tetras sleep at night by resting motionless on plants, substrate, or decor. They reduce their metabolism and respiration but still need some light filtering in.
– In their natural habitat, large groups of neon tetras sometimes engage in massive synchronized spawning migrations triggered by rainfall.
The neon tetra is a fascinating and wildly popular aquarium fish. Their bright colors and schooling behaviors continue to charm aquarists nearly a century after their discovery in South America!
Conclusion
Neon tetras are small, vibrantly colored fish that originate from the rivers of South America. They are extremely popular freshwater aquarium fish due to their hardiness, schooling behavior, and brightly iridescent blue stripes. Neon tetras thrive in warm, soft, acidic water with plenty of plants and driftwood. They feed on small worms, crustaceans and insects. Breeding neon tetras can be challenging but rewarding when successful. After nearly a century in the aquarium hobby, neon tetras remain one of the most captivating fish for community aquariums due to their stunning colors and active schooling. With proper care that mimics their natural habitat, neon tetras can make a beautiful and long-lasting addition to planted freshwater tanks.
