Neon tetra - Paracheirodon innesi

The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) has on a silver background blue and red shining stripes. The iris of the eyes is bright blue. Paracheirodon innesi originates from the upper Amazon basin in the South American tropics, where it is found in rivers with soft water high in humic substances. The attractive neon tetra can reach a length of 3.5 to 4 cm.

The sex differentiation is not so easy. Adult females grow slightly larger and stronger than the smaller and more slender males. Since Paracheirodon innesi is a very social schooling fish that needs the security of its group, the Neon Tetra should be kept in groups of 6 or more. If their requirements are met, Neon tetra can live up to 8 years in the aquarium.

Breeding the neon tetra is not easy. These ornamental fish need very soft, acidic water (pH 5) and a strongly shaded, quite dark breeding aquarium and a water temperature of about 24-25 °C. The  Neon Tetra is a free spawner and unfortunately eats its spawn very eagerly. Therefore, the parent pair must be removed from the breeding tank fairly quickly after spawning. The fish larvae hatch after a few days and should initially be fed artemia euplii and other fine live foods such as slipper lizards or rotifers.

As a peaceful group fish, the Neon Tetra fits perfectly in community tanks with other rather small to medium-sized, peaceful fish. Dwarf shrimp are also good to socialize with this small schooling fish, although it must be assumed that careless young can be eaten. The Neon tetra, which tends to stay at the surface, goes very well with peaceful dwarf shrimps.

In along the edge densely planted aqu ariums with clearly swimming space in the aquarium center he feels well. Floating plants that shade the aquarium somewhat are a must if you want to keep Paracheirodon innesi "gold" species-appropriate, these aquarium fish do not like their tank too bright. Soft to medium hard water is suitable for their keeping, and an aquarium temperature of about 20-27 °C.

As typical omnivores, you can feed your Neon Tetras "gold" very well with a high-quality flake food or granulated food for omnivorous aquarium fish. Also animal food like small frozen food, freeze-dried food or small live food will please the pretty ornamental fish from time to time.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Main Feed is a professional staple food for all aquarium fish. We supply Hauptfeed in the form of a soft granulate, which thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter can be easily absorbed by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.