There is a third neon tetra fish species called the Green neon tetra, Paracheirodon simulans, which looks like a small combination of the two. Both belong to the Genus Paracheirodon, with Neons being Paracheirodon innesi and Cardinals Paracheirodon axelrodi.
Cardinals prefer even warmer water at 28C, and a pH as low as 4, although a pH of around 6 is easier to maintain long term and more stable. Neon tetras can tolerate slightly cooler water than their cousins the Cardinal tetras, and the two species can be told apart by the solid red colouration on Cardinal tetras and the Cardinal’s slightly larger size. Females are slightly larger than males and their bellies swell with eggs.Ī pH of 6-7 and a temperature of 24C is ideal. A separate breeding tank could be set up especially for breeding, however. Breeding Neon tetrasĪlthough bred commercially, Neon tetras are not commonly bred in the home aquarium due to the fact that the eggs are so small, they get eaten by other fish, and are sensitive to light. In nature eggs fall between roots and leaves and are sensitive to light, requiring dark for proper development. Neon tetras are egg scatterers, coming together to spawn but taking no extra care for their tiny eggs and fry. Live plants do aid water quality however and can provide shade for Neons as well as providing somewhere to take cover and breed. Plastic or live plants can be used but are not essential. Neon tetras don’t actually glow in the dark, but that iridescent blue colouration has highly reflective scales, further contrasting the deep red on the tail.įor a natural look fit a black background and decorate the tank with sand, leaves and wood. Lighting can be subdued and their colours may even intensify in low light. Neons can be kept in aquariums upwards of 40cm in length, and need a heater for warmth and a filter to break down their waste. They live in number in the wild and need to be kept in shoals of ten or more in the aquarium. Neon tetras inhabit small forest streams where their bright colours enable them to locate each other in the gloom as well as dazzling and confusing any would-be predators.
Neon tetras belong to the family Characidae, which includes Piranha and huge, walnut-eating Pacu, but in general, tetras are small, peaceful schooling fish inhabiting rivers and streams in South America and Africa. Native to Peru, Colombia and Brazil these tiny colorful fish reach a maximum size of just 3cm in length, making them suitable for smaller tropical aquariums. They can be seen in virtually every tropical fish shop around the world and sell in their millions every year. The only red-green colouration found in them is in the head, caudal fin and ventral area.Neon tetras are small tropical freshwater fish with a bright red stripe and light blue electric colouration. The bright turquoise-green colouration elongates throughout the fish's body on both sides.
#Green neon tetra Patch#
However, these are slightly smaller, slimmer and their red patch is less pronounced. This Green Neon Tetra is similar in appearance to their closely related and better-known Neon Tetra. They have some subtle variations that can be fun for aquarists who are looking for something a little bit different. The Green Neon Tetra is a social species and naturally forms schools meaning 8-10 of these fish is the minimum recommended purchase since the fish will be less shy and display more interesting behaviour. Ideally, these should be maintained alone or at most with small, non-aggressive fish. However, this fish is not recommended for the community aquarium due to its small size and somewhat specific requirements. The Green Neon Tetra is an excellent looking, peaceful fish that are relatively easy to take care of.
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