Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Neon tetra, Neon |
| Scientific name: | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Synonyms: | Hyphessobrycon innesi (not valid) |
| Size: | 1.5" (4cm) |
| Origin: | South America (Peru) |
| Tank setup: | Planted tank, keep in a shoal with peaceful tankmates. |
| Compatibility: | Peaceful, community - may be eaten by larger tankmates. |
| Temperature: | 22-26oC (72-79oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Around neutral, soft to medium hard. |
| Feeding: | Omnivorous: small frozen/live foods and dry foods such as flake, micro-pellets and granular foods. |
| Sexing: | Males slimmer, females have a deeper body. |
| Breeding: | Very soft and acidic water is recommended, though there are reports of this species,
being bred in harder water. Use Java moss or other fine-leaved plants (or a synthetic equivalent) as a spawning substrate.
Parents should be removed after spawning. Eggs hatch in around 24 hours. Feed the tiny fry on
infusoria initially, followed by brine shrimp nauplii. |
| Comments: |
One of the most instantly recognisable fish in the hobby, they are commonly referred to as simply "Neons".
Best appreciated in a tank with a dark background or substrate. They do not always shoal together as readily as
some other species of tetras, but like other tetra species they should be kept in a shoal of at least 5-6 fish.
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