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Tetra - Neon
SKU TC01
$3.50
4 payments of $0.88 with
Price incl. GST (15%) $0.46
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Dunedin 105 Cumberland Street
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Tetra - Neon
Product Details
Neon Tetra: The Living Gemstone
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is perhaps the most famous and instantly recognizable freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to the clearwater and blackwater streams and tributaries of the Amazon Basin in South America, particularly Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, this tiny fish is celebrated for its dazzling iridescent blue and red stripes that seem to glow, especially in dimly lit conditions.
Its torpedo-shaped body is characterized by a brilliant, neon-like blue-green stripe running horizontally from its nose to the base of its adipose fin (the small, fleshy fin on its back). Below this, a vivid red stripe extends from the mid-body to the caudal (tail) fin. These striking colors, combined with their peaceful, schooling behavior, make them an absolute highlight in any community aquarium.
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Neon Tetras are generally easy to care for, making them popular with beginners. However, they are sensitive to drastic changes in water parameters and require stable, pristine water quality to truly thrive. They can be more delicate than some other beginner fish, especially when first introduced to a new environment.
Temperament: Extremely Peaceful Schooler
Neon Tetras are exceptionally peaceful and are quintessential schooling fish. They feel most secure, display their best colors, and exhibit natural behaviors when kept in large groups. It is highly recommended to keep a minimum of 6-10 individuals, but larger schools of 15 or more will create a breathtaking display and significantly reduce stress among the fish.
They are ideal for most community aquariums and can be safely housed with other small, peaceful, and similarly sized fish that are not aggressive or overly active. Compatible tank mates include:
- Other small Tetras (e.g., Cardinal Tetras, Ember Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
- Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasboras, Chili Rasboras)
- Corydoras Catfish (e.g., Panda Cory, Pygmy Cory)
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Small, peaceful Gouramis (e.g., Honey Gouramis, Sparkling Gouramis)
- Dwarf Cichlids (e.g., German Blue Rams, provided the tank is large enough and parameters match)
Avoid housing them with large, aggressive, or carnivorous fish that could view them as prey (e.g., Angelfish, larger Barbs, Cichlids). Also, be cautious with active or fin-nipping species that could stress their timid nature.
Diet: Omnivore / Micropredator
Neon Tetras are omnivores with a natural inclination towards small invertebrates in the wild. They have small mouths, so food should be appropriately sized.
- Staple: High-quality flake food or micro-pellets designed for small tropical fish.
- Supplement: Regularly offer live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms, and finely chopped bloodworms. These are vital for boosting their health, vibrant colors, and providing essential protein.
- Vegetable Matter: Ensure some vegetable content in their diet through spirulina flakes or occasional blanched vegetables (though less critical than for herbivorous fish).
Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily, only what they can consume within a few minutes. Due to their small size, they are particularly prone to health issues from overfeeding and subsequent water degradation.
Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 20-26°C (68-79°F). They are tropical fish and require stable, warm water. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
- pH: 5.5–7.0 (preferring soft, acidic water). While they can adapt to neutral pH, their colors and health are best in slightly acidic conditions.
- Water Hardness: 1-10 dGH (very soft to moderately soft water). This is a crucial factor for their well-being. Hard water can often lead to "Neon Tetra Disease" or other stress-related ailments.
- Filtration: Gentle but effective filtration is essential. They prefer calm water with minimal currents. Sponge filters, internal filters with adjustable flow, or hang-on-back filters with baffles are good choices.
- Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (25% weekly) are critical to remove nitrates and maintain pristine, stable water parameters. Consider using RO (reverse osmosis) water or distilled water remineralized to appropriate parameters if your tap water is very hard or alkaline.
Max Size: Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches)
Neon Tetras are small fish, rarely exceeding 4 cm (about 1.5 inches) in length. Their diminutive size contributes to their appeal in many community tanks.
Minimum Tank Size: 40 Litres (approx. 10 US Gallons) for a school of 6-10 individuals
While very small, their strong schooling behavior and activity levels mean they need adequate horizontal swimming space. A 40-liter tank is a good minimum for a healthy school, providing enough room for them to swim as a cohesive unit. For larger schools (highly recommended for visual impact and fish well-being) or a more diverse community, a 60-liter (15 US Gallons) or larger aquarium is ideal. The tank should be heavily planted, especially with live plants, to provide cover and a sense of security. Dim lighting and a dark substrate can also help enhance their vibrant colors.
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