A freshwater fish that is found in the Amazon and other tropical areas, neon tetra fish are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fishes. These small colorful fish have a life span of about 3-4 years and can grow to be up to 1 inch long. They have no scales or spines which makes them perfect for beginners who want a friendly pet that will not cause any harm to their hands. Other than being fun pets, they also make great live food for larger predatory fish like cichlids.
The neon tetra fish or also known as the scientific name Paracheirodon Innesi is a type of freshwater and tropical fish belonging to the family Characidae. This animal has an attractive appearance and adapts very well to the conditions of the environment in which it lives.
The neon tetra fish was discovered in 1934 by the French traveller August Rabaut during his expedition around the Amazon jungle. It was there that he captured a lot of fish and decided to take them to Europe to sell them. This animal usually inhabits South America. The impact of light on the water is minimal because these rivers flow through the forest and the trees prevent it from reaching it.
Characteristics of Neon Tetra Fish
Neon Tetra Fish are fish that have a dark blue color with turquoise or navy blue. They get their colors from the black pigment in their body which is called melanophores, and they also use other kinds of pigments like carotenoids for brighter colors.
This species has an average life span of 3-4 years if cared for well by a breeder who then sells it to stores where new owners can buy them as pets! These types of fishes need little special care when kept at home – just make sure you change water sometimes and feed your pet twice a day so that he stays healthy. The Neon Tetras are very easy to take care of because there’s no real special treatment needed!
Feeding
The vibrant neon tetra is an exciting addition to any aquarium—and it’s also a convenient choice for feeding. This omnivorous fish happily consumes all types of food, whether live, frozen or artificial. However, keep in mind that its small mouth size means you will need to be mindful and provide appropriately-sized morsels when offering meals! Blood worms, white worms shrimp and water worm are just some favorites commonly enjoyed by the species.
Aquarium Maintenance
This fish easily adapts to all aquarium conditions. In general, the water pH must be maintained between 7 and 10. You must never exceed these scales. It is important that the aquarium does not have a direct impact on the light. You have to favor the fish so that they can hide in some areas of the aquarium that mimic their behavior in the natural habitat. Therefore, the aquarium must have aquatic plants at the bottom of the tank that surface towards the surface.
These will also help keep algae from growing in the aquarium. In the same way, the breeders are urged to cover the walls of the aquarium with paper, in this way the amount of light is reduced. As for the plants, it is advisable to use moss, since the female will lay the eggs on it. A few weeks before, the pair of fish should be well fed and separate if possible. You may also like to read goldfish.
When the fish are incorporated into the tank, there should be no light, so it can be done at night. The male and female mate and it will lay about 100 eggs on the aquarium moss. justify after spawning, the pair of fish are separate again because they can eat the eggs. The water level of the tank is reduced from 7 to 10 cm high and the darkness must remain since the larva is very sensitive to light.
The larva appears after 4 or 5 days and 3 days later it begins to swim. These small fish will feed on reduced size feed and egg yolk. Little by little water will be added to the tank and it is very important not to have filters because being so small and approaching them can cause death.
Water Temperature
Neon Tetra Fish can be happy in water that is kept at a temperature of between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius. To keep the fish comfortable, an internal filter should clean out any leftover waste from their environment as well as replace oxygenated fresh water on a daily basis.
Compatibility with other species
The Neon tetra is calm fish if we do not take into account their mating season. It is preferable to have in the tank species as peaceful as them. Despite that tranquility, this fish is an active animal. It feels more comfortable in an environment with fish of the same species. Breeders should avoid bringing them together with larger and more aggressive fish. You may also like to read killifish.
How do we differentiate the male from the female?
The difference between the male and female Neon Tetra Fish is as follows: males are smaller and thinner than females. Females have thicker bodies, whereas males’ corporal strip curves upwards at a 90-degree angle from their body to meet with theirs.
Diseases
While it may come as a surprise to many, some fish are more prone to illnesses than others. Particularly for neon tetras, Pleistophora disease or Neon Tetra Disease is the most common affliction; this fungus typically infiltrates the muscles and can be transmitted from other infected tanks through water and shellfish, or even by another aquarium inhabitant in your own tank.
The Symptoms of this Disease:
- Discoloration or fading of the normally bright red stripe on their bodies.
- Loss of appetite and energy, which is caused by the damage to the muscles that are affected.
- Parasites, like lice or worms, may also be present in a fish suffering from Pleistophora disease. In some cases, the parasites may outcompete the fungus, leading to a resurgence in the fish’s health.
- White spots and patches on the body of the fish. These are caused by bacteria or fungi that have infected the wounds from Pleistophora disease.
- Lethargy and labored breathing as a result of muscular atrophy. In order to prevent Pleistophora disease in your tank, it is important to purchase fish from a reputable supplier and quarantine any new additions to the tank before introducing them.
Careful observation of your aquarium inhabitants can help you spot signs of illness quickly so that you can take steps to address the problem. Additionally, regular water changes and an appropriate filtration system can help keep the tank clean, while maintaining optimal water parameters can keep fish healthy. Finally, be sure to choose hardy fish varieties that are less likely to contract illnesses. With proper care and attention, your tank can remain a safe and healthy environment for your aquatics friends. With these steps, you can help ensure that your fish are happy and healthy for years to come.
FAQ
How many neon tetras should be kept together?
The general recommendation for neon tetras is to keep them in groups of at least six. This allows each fish to feel secure and have plenty of space to swim. Keeping a larger group (10-15) is even better, as it can help reduce aggression between the fish and provide more opportunities for social behavior.
Are neon tetras hard to take care of?
Neon tetras are relatively easy to take care of, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists. They prefer warm water temperatures between 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit and should be kept in an aquarium that is at least 10 gallons in size. When it comes to diet, neon tetras are omnivores and should be fed a variety of foods such as flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, and live brine shrimp.
How long do neon tetra fish live?
Neon tetra fish typically live for about 3-5 years in the wild, although some have been known to live up to 8 years. In captivity, they can live up to 10 years with proper care. To ensure their longevity, it is important to keep them in a tank with clean, oxygen-rich water and provide them with a balanced diet of high quality flakes or freeze-dried foods. Additionally, they should be kept in groups of at least five or six individuals so that they can form social bonds and feel safe. With the right environment and care, neon tetra fish can thrive for many years!
Conclusion
If you are looking for a pet that will not hurt your hands, then the neon tetra fish is perfect. These beautiful little creatures can grow to be up to 1 inch long and have no scales or spines which makes them great for beginners who want something friendly with minimal care requirements. They also make an excellent food source for larger predatory fish like cichlids because they do not require much effort in order to keep alive.
Neon Tetras are different from other types of freshwater aquarium fish because they thrive in many environments and adapt quickly while still remaining colorful and attractive. We hope this guide has been helpful! Good luck finding the best new addition to your family at home or office today!
As a Reference: Wikipedia
