My Neon Tetra

This is my first post. I choosed dedicate it to this amazing fish, my nickname and my inspirational insight into the aquarium world.

Common Name
Neon tetra

Scientific Name Of The Species
Paracheirodon innesi

• Size of the fish in home aquariums (min-max): 3 - 4 cm
  


• pH of water for Neon tetra has to be between: 5.5 - 7.5
  


• Water hardness (dGH) should be between: 0 - 18 °N



• Recommended water temperature for Neon tetra: 20 - 25 °C



• Compatibility (temperament to it's species): peaceful
  


• Fish' temperament toward other species: peaceful
  


• Preferred place when kept in fish tanks: Bottom levels



• The way of breeding: Spawning



• This species originates from: South America

Information about care

Feeding
This tetra accepts nearly all kinds of food. Flakes, live food, granules, frozen food are fine.

Breeding
The neon tetra comes from the Amazon river regions. So if you want to breed them, you have to copy the conditions like in the river throughout the summer; the rainy season. The best way is to change about 50% of water in order to simulate raining. You should separate the breeding pair from the others and use subdued light only. After they lay eggs, take out the pair from the aquarium, so babies will not be eaten.

Sexing
The Neon tetra female is rounder than the male and the male has a straight lines. This all is caused by eggs in the female's belly.

Lifespan
I was surprised when I found out, that Neon tetras live 5, sometimes 8, or even more years. It is very unusual for small fish to live more then few years.

(source:http://www.aqua-fish.net)