Neon Tetra

COMMON NAME: Neon Tetra.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Paracheirodon innesi.

SYNONYM: Hyphessobrycon innesi.

DESIGNATION: Tropical.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Upper Amazon (Brazil).

SIZE: Around 4 cm (1.5 in).

WATER PREFERENCES: Soft, acid water around25°C (77T).

DIET: Will eat a wide range of foods,particularly small aquatic livefoods.

BREEDING: Spawning occurs among fine-leaved vegetation in very soft, acid conditions. Subdued lighting is recommendedafter spawning since the eggs are, reportedly,sensitive to light. Hatching occurs after 24-36hours at around 24°C (75°F). Once the fry become free-swimming, theyshould be fed on either liquid food or thefinest solid foods for a few days, followed bylarger foods, such as newly hatched BrineShrimp nauplii (larvae).

DESCRIPTION: Neons are shoalersand should not, therefore, be kept eithersingly or in pairs. They are at their best inshoals kept in peat-stained water and againsta dark background. Fine-leaved plants shouldbe included as part of the tank decor.Although this species will swim at all levels,it tends to prefer the middle and lower reaches of the tank.