Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a small, brightly colored freshwater fish native to South America that is great for community aquarium. Although they’re friendly and relatively easy to keep, like any other fish, they need some special care.
By knowing the necessary information about their aquarium setup, diet, and common health issues, you can keep these colorful swimmers in perfect health. So, read on and learn how to care for neon tetras in this comprehensive guide.
Neon Tetra Origins and Habitat
The neon tetra was first discovered in 1934 and belongs to the Tetraidae family that lives in the clear streams of Amazon River in South America. They are found in several SA countries along the Amazon River, like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. These gentle fish coexist with a range of other aquatic species, nestled among lust plants and shaded spots in their environment.
Neon Tetra Lifespan
The average lifespan of a neon tetra in the wild is about 8 years, but in aquariums, they often live only 3-5 years. With proper care and a good environment, though, some can live up to 6-7 years.
Neon Tetra Aquarium Setup
Creating a suitable environment for neon tetras is essential for their health and longevity, as it replicates their natural habitat. Here are some aquarium setup tips:
Tank Size - Neon tetras are small, and most can be kept in a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium, but larger tanks are easier to care for, allowing for more swimming space and a stable environment. They also like to live in groups of at least six, so they feel safe and can exhibit natural behaviors.
Substrate and Decorations - Neon tetras enjoy a well-planted tank with an open swimming area. Using dark sand, like black sand, can mimic their natural habitat and help bring out their vibrant colors. Adding plants, driftwood, and rocks can create hiding spots and swimming spaces for them.
Water Parameters - Neon tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and a water temperature between 70°F and 81°F (21°C and 27°C). Changing 1/4 of tank water weekly helps maintain water quality. It’s best to invest in a reliable water quality testing kit to monitor pH levels, and set up a heater and an aquarium temperature controller to maintain a steady water temperature for your little beauties.
Neon Tetra Diet
Just like humans, your fish also need nutritious food to stay health. Neon tetras are omnivores, so they need a balanced, varied diet.
In the wild, they are lower on the food chain and often prey on tiny crustaceans, worms, insects, algae, and plankton. So you can feed them live food such as Artemia, Daphnia, and Bloodworms. They also enjoy frozen options like krill and water worms, but remember to thaw those before feeding.
Don’t forget to include some vaggies like blanched spinach, zucchini, or algae tablets, and mix in snacks like flakes or pellets for extra nutrients.
Feed them twice a day in small portions, and make sure they finish within 1-2 minutes to avoid contaminating the water.
Community Tank Compatibility
If you want to enrich your aquarium with more fish, you should make sure your tank is large enough and that new fish are bottom-dwellers, non-aggressive, and similar in size and temperament to the neon tetra. Neon tetras are peaceful and typically get along well with many other species. Some great companions include:
- Other tetras like Cardinal tetras, ember tetras
- Bettas
- Guppies
- Zebrafish
- Hatchet fish
- Pungent nose fish
- Ghost shrimp
- Wave fish
- Danio fish
How to Breed Neon Tetras?
Breeding neon tetras is a bit difficult, as they require specific water parameters to spawn successfully. To increase the reproduction rate, it’s best to set up a dedicated breeding tank. This tank should be at least 10 gallons, have a sponge filter for filtration, and be densely planted with fine-leaved plants to provide hiding places for eggs and fry. The water should be soft and slightly acidic, with a temperature just above the usual range, around 78°F or 26°C. You can keep this ideal breeding temperature steady using a specialized aquarium temperature controller like the ITC-306A.
To encourage spawn, condition a pair of adult neon tetras with high-quality food. They usually lay eggs in the early morning, and these eggs will stick to the plants or anything they can find. Once they spawn, disinfect the tank and remove the adult fish from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs should hatch in about 24-36 hours, and they fry will start swimming freely after a week. During this stage, provide the fry with finely crushed flake food or ciliates until they gro big enough for small foods.
Common Health Issues
Neon tetras are highly resilient, but they can still suffer from certain health issues. Regular care and a stable environment can help minimize these issues.
- Ice (White Spot Disease): Caused by protozoan parasite, can be treated with medicated food or anti-parasitic medications.
- Hexamita: This disease leads to symptoms like loss of appetite, discolored skin, bleeding around the head, and red stools, and can be treated with anti-fungal medications.
- Fin Rot: Poor quality can cause fin rot, so regular water changes and avoiding overcrowding are key to combat this condition.
- Neon Tetra Disease: This is a viral infection with no cure, so the best preventative measures are maintaining a clean tank and being cautious about adding new fish that may carry the virus.
FAQs
Can you keep neon tetras together?
Yes, neon tetras are schooling fish and thrive when kept in groups. These social little creatures like to be in schools of at least six or more, which helps reduce stress and fosters natural behaviors.
How many neon tetras can live in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10-gallon tank can comfortably house a small school of neon tetras. A good guideline is to have about 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water. Since adult neon tetras reach about 1.5 inches, you can keep approximately 6 to 8 of them in a 10-gallon setup, but remember to keep the water clean and do regular changes to keep them healthy.
How big do neon tetras get?
Neon tetras are relatively small, averaging about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 centimeters) in length. There’s not much difference between the males and females, but females tend to have a bit rounder belly.
