Tetras
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
The neon tetra was the first wild-caught fish that really set the tropical fish hobby into a dither, and contributed much to establishing the "tropical" fish hobby. When neons were first introduced in Europe and then America, they commanded incredibly steep prices. Now that they are produced in huge quantities in the Far East they are a common staple and always available.
The ideal water condition for neons would be rainwater - pH around 5.5 to 6.2 and virtually immeasurable hardness. Fortunately, because almost all neons in local fish store are commercially raised, they can take higher readings for both pH and hardness, although anything above 7.2 and 12 to 14 DH is less than ideal for these little gems.
Keep them in good size schools, at least 10 to 15 fish and preferably more, and give them plenty of thickets of plants to hide in.
Breeding neons requires clean water with a pH no higher than 6.5 and with as little hardness as possible. Both the breeders and the eggs are sensitive to bright light, so it is best to keep only a dim light on the tank for breeding, and after the fish have spawned the tank should be covered with a blanket or the like to make it totally dark.
After two days of darkness use a flashlight to look for any newly hatched babies, which look like tiny glass splinters. For the first two weeks of their life the babies should not be exposed to any bright light.
Although they appreciate live or frozen foods, especially when being conditioned for spawning, neons will do very well on just flake foods. Make sure they are getting enough to eat if they are in a community tank, as they are not very aggressive about feeding.
Source: aquarium fish magazine
Compatibility: Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Dwarf Gouramis, Discus, Angelfish, Rainbowfish, Livebearers, Plecos, and small Scavenger Catfish.
Tetra Care:
Most species will adapt to a range of water conditions so long as the water is clean and well aerated. Extremely high pH (e.g. over 7.6, or 8 for hardy species) and very hard water should be avoided.
Most tetras will fade in color if they are stressed or uncomfortable with their surroundings. (But note that many lose all their color at night, which is not a cause for alarm).
They are schooling fish and will not be happy unless kept in a group of at least four of their own species.
Large fish such as Gouramis, Angelfish and Silver dollars should be avoided: even quite passive fish will eat other fish if they can fit them in their mouths!
Larger tetra species such as buenos aires tetras, congo tetras, serpaes and others can be mixed with quite large tank mates.
Tetras Related Articles:
Cardinal Tetra: Cardinal Tetra Millions of cardinals are caught wild and exported from Brazil every year.
The Bleeding Heart Tetra: is a hardy, peaceful, schooling species that should be kept in groups of six or more. It does extremely well when kept with other peaceful fishes, such as Megalamphodus, Corydoras and Nannostomus species.
Breeding Tetras Tetras are egg scatterers that do not tend their eggs or fry and so a separate spawning/fry tank is needed. Spawning occurs usually between pairs, although some species spawn in schools.