Neon Tetras - Good beginner fish? I think NOT!

[Star_Rider]

I haven't bought any yet, trying to do my homework first.
If I recall, the tank bred ones are slightly more expensive than the wild caught ones (go figure).
In the forums, some people say that the original hardiness of neons is there in the wild caught ones. Other people say that good breeders have hardy strains and that good tank bred ones live longer.

not picking on you sun just using your post to bring up issues with neons wild vs domestic.

I have been reading:read: :read: /researching tetras..they are one of my favorite fish.
there are a few theories surrounding the neons.

one which I find interesting. neon tetras have been domestically/captive raised for quite some time. the theory is that the 'inbreeding' or lack of introducing wild fish may have increased the color of the fish..but may also have weakend the immune system of the fish.

some believe that wild fish need to be re introduced back to help to rectify this issue.

my personal experience.. when I raise tetras 30 years ago I had fewer losses than I currently see.

I have very few losses with black neons but see a high mortality with the neons.