 | Freshwater > Fish > Characidae |
 | francais   | | |  | Paracheirodon Innesi (Neon Tetra) |  | |
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 | Quick Ref. |  | |  Species: Paracheirodon Innesi
| Geo. Location: Eastern Peru
| PH: 5.8 - 6.5
| Temperature: 73 - 79F
| Water Hardness: 1 - 2dh
| Size: 1.5"
| Diet: Flakes, small foods
| Difficulty: 2
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| | | | | | Notes: Paracheirodon Innesi is a small Characins with an iridescent blue body and a brite red tail. It looks very similar to Cardinal Tetras (Parachairodon Axelrodi) except the brite red is only present at the rear of its body (Cardinals have their whole lower body red). (See Paracheirodon Axelrodi). Neon Tetra are also easier to keep and to breed than its cousin. Its very appealing colors makes it one of the most popular fish in captivity. Unfortunately, most of the one we find in Fish Stores are artificially bred. Because it is very peaceful and sociable, this fish is a great companion for community tanks. Also some people report that this fish does not get along with Angelfish, Discus and other cichlids, nothing has been proved and a lot of hobbyist have had great results in such tanks.
In the wild, these fish live in the dark rivers of Amazonia (black waters) and thrieve in shaded and calm areas. In aquarium, we will recreate this habitat by planting the tank heavily, adding driftwood, rocks and a dark substrat. Floating plants are also recommended in tanks with bright lights. Peat filtration can also create a nice environment for this small Chacarins.
Neon Tetras can live up to 10 years if kept in good conditions. These conditions would include a large tank (at least 30 gallons), lots of hidding places, swimming areas and a soft water with shaded areas. Neon Tetras usually swim in the middle and lower parts of the tank and do much better in schools (at least 8). They also get along with other small fish.
Neon Tetras are subject to the Neon Tetra Disease caused by the sporozoan of Plistophora Hypessobryconis. In such a case, the fish will loose its color, swim eraticly and will die. There is no known cure to this disease. (click here to learn more about this disease)
It's been said that this little fish do better in slightly salty water (1 teaspoon for 5 gallon), however various opinions are available regarding the exact proportion of salt.
| Breeding: Breeding Paracheirodon Innesi is easier than breeding its cousin (Paracheirodon Axelrodi). Sexual diphormism: the female is usually bigger than the male when ready to spawn (especially when looking at her from above). The male would also have a straighter blue line than the female, however this constitutes another debat on which lots of hobbyist disagree.
Usually Tetra Neons are ready to breed at the age of 9 months. Lots of articles have been written regarding the best way to breed them, however out of these things here is what we need to remember. Introduce a school of Neon Tetras in a reproduction tank (20 gallons - it's been said that they will not reproduce in pairs). Do not add light at first then increase lighting progressively. The water should have a temperature of 72F, a ph of approx. 5.5 to 6.0 and be very soft.
Because they are egglayers, the female will spread 60 to 130 eggs all over the plants/substrat. As soon as they are done spawning, it is better to remove both parents from the tank as they would eat the eggs. The eggs are also very sensitive to fungus, therefore it's better to have very dimed lighting in the tank. No direct lights. The eggs will hatch in 24 hours and the fry will be free swimming after 4 to 5 days. Fry should be fed infusoria, egg yolks or microworms.
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| | | Readers comments & pictures: Paracheirodon Innesi | | |
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| mandy - 2007-01-01 01:32:08 | Picture |  | | | i have a ?
its i have these fish and we cant tell if there pregnet they look it but we might just be fedding them to much
can u send me a picture of what they look like as pregnet | |
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| carly - 2007-01-01 01:37:56 | | | | | i think u should show some more pics of them like a pic of them pregnet so people get an idea | | | | | | |
| amber - 2007-01-18 21:43:51 | | | | | Hello. I have a ? about neon tetras. I had 6 along with 3 Austrailian Rainbows, 5 Head & taillight tetras, 5 Rasbora hets, 4 Glofish, & 3 Silver hatchet fish in a 29 gal. tank. Everything was going fine with all the fish, then within 3-5 days all neons ceased to exist. Did a partial water change and no dead neons found. It's like they were never there. Does anyone think the Australian Rainbows may be the culprits. They were all getting along fine over the past few weeks. I find this very strange. Thanks for any responses. | | | | | | |
| Dan - 2010-01-03 20:47:17 | | | | | after getting these fish I have a whole bunch of stringy white stuff in one corner of my tank I would like to know what it is | | | | | | |
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