..................................Neon tetra
Other names:...........none Origin:......................South American jungle streams Max size:..................1.5" PH:............-..............5.8-6.5 Temperature:...........74-79 F. Min tank size:..........10 gallons Food:.........................Flake food, small live foods |
The Neon tetra is one of the most popular aquarium fishes. These are small characins that are similar to the Cardinal tetra, except the Neon has a white pectoral area and the Cardinal has a red pectoral area. The back of the Neon is blue and the anal and caudal areas are also blue.
Neons are perfect for any comunity tank. A large school for six or more neons is always pleasing to the eye, providing a brilliant show of colors. These fish come from the Peruvian Amazon where they live in shaded jungle waters. Neons should therefore be housed in a semi-dark aquarium with the bottom and sides in dark colors. Black tissue can be taped to the sides of the aquarium to sumulate the natural environment. Light the tank dimly from above and, if needed, use floating plants to reduce the light.
In the Neon's jungle habitat, the water is replenished frequently by soft, fresh rain. To provide comparable conditions in the aquarium, frequent water changes should be made. These fish are shoalers, the schools swimming in the middle to lower strata. They are peaceful towards other fish of similar size. Neons are susceptible to the Neon tetra disease.
Viewed from above, a ripe female Neon is broader than the male. The female lays up to 130 eggs on the substrate, and should then be removed along with the male. The fry hatch after 24 hours.
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