Neon tetra
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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Neon Tetra | status = Conservation status: Secure | image = Paracheirodon_innesi_2.jpg | image_width = 250px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Characiformes | familia = Characidae | genus = Paracheirodon | species = P. innesi | binomial = Paracheirodon innesi | binomial_authority = (Myers, 1936) }}
The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. The type species of its genus, it is native to blackwater or clearwater streams in South America, in particular the tributaries of the Solimões.
The neon tetra is light in colour, apart for the characteristic Paracheirodon iridescent blue-green horizontal stripe along each side of the fish from nose to the front part of the tail and its prominent red coloration along the posterior half of the lower body. It grows to approximately 3 cm (1.25 in) in overall length. Sexual dimorphism is slight, the female having a slightly larger belly.
P. innesi is one of the most popular aquarium fish, having been bred in tremendous numbers for the trade.
The green and black neon tetras are distinct species (the latter belonging to an altogether different genus, in fact) and not color varieties. The cardinal tetra, also sometimes called the red neon, is a very similar species and is often confused with the true neon tetra. It is distinguished by a lateral red stripe that runs the length of its body. Hyphessobrycon innesi, on the other hand, is an obsolete synonym for P. innesi, the neon tetra itself.
While commercially bred neon tetras have well adapted to a wide range of water conditions, in the wild they inhabit very soft, slightly acidic waters, between 20 and 26 °C ( 68–79 °F).
Neon Tetras have a lifespan of about five years.
In the aquarium
Neon tetras are considered easy to keep in a community aquarium of at least 10 gallons, with a pH of 5.0-7.0 and KH of 1.0-2.0. They tend to be timid, and because of their small size they should not be kept with large or aggressive fish, who may bully or simply eat them. Fish that mix well in an aquarium are other types of tetras, such as the rummy-nose tetra, cardinal tetra, and glowlight tetra, and other community fish that live well in an ideal Tetra water condition. Neon Tetras are omnivores and will accept most flake foods, but should also have some small foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and micro pellet food to supplement their diet. Mid-level feeders, they are best kept in schools of five to eight or more, for the "shoaling" effect when they move around the tank. Their colour and the iridescent stripe may become dim at night, and can be virtually invisible after a period of darkness. Neons are best kept in a densely planted tank with subdued light and an ideal temperature of 68-74°F to resemble their native Amazon environment. Unfortunately, Neon Tetras are occasionally afflicted by the so-called "Neon Tetra Disease" which is usually fatal to the fish, and currently without a cure.
To breed Neon Tetras, place a pair of the species in a breeding tank without any light, and gradually increase the lighting until spawning occurs. Other inducers include misquito larvae and a hardness of less than 4 degrees. Because the adults will often eat newly-hatched fry, it is best to remove them as soon as they eggs have ben laid. Eggs will hatch within 30 hours of the laying.
References
de:Neonsalmler fr:Néon bleu lt:Neoninė tetra nl:Neontetra no:Neontetra pl:Neon Innesa fi:Neontetra sv:Neontetra zh:宝莲灯鱼