Neon Tetra

Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are one of the most popular and colorful freshwater fish. They're relatively easy to care for if the right conditions are maintained. Here's a comprehensive care guide to help you keep your neon tetras healthy and happy in your aquarium.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 38 liters for a small school of 6–10 neon tetras. A larger tank (60 litres or more) is better, especially for bigger groups.
• Water Temperature: 22°C–26°C. Neon tetras prefer slightly cooler water compared to some tropical fish.
• pH Level: Keep the pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water.
• Water Hardness: Soft water is ideal, with a range of 1–10 dGH.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter like a sponge filter or a filter with adjustable flow, as tetras don't like strong currents.
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well. Neon tetras spend most of their time in the middle to top of the tank, so substrate is more about aesthetics and supporting plants.

Tank Mates

• Neon tetras are peaceful and schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least 6–10 to reduce stress and promote natural schooling behaviour.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Other peaceful species like guppies, rasboras, small corydoras, and peaceful dwarf gouramis. Avoid aggressive or large fish that may see the neon tetras as food.
• Avoid: Larger or aggressive fish like angelfish, bettas (with some exceptions), and cichlids.

Lighting

• Moderate lighting is best. Neon tetras come from shaded areas in the wild, so they don't require intense lighting.
• You can use floating plants to create shaded spots in the aquarium to make them feel more secure.

Plants and Decorations

• Neon tetras thrive in heavily planted tanks. They appreciate having plants for cover, mimicking their natural environment.
• Live Plants: Java ferns, Anubias, Amazon swords, and moss are great choices. These plants also help maintain water quality.
• Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and caves provide additional hiding spots, but make sure there is also open space for swimming.

Water Quality and Maintenance

• Water Changes: Perform 25% water changes every week to keep water clean and stable.
• Testing: Regularly test water parameters, ensuring that ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are kept in check. Nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.
• Temperature and pH Stability: Neon tetras are sensitive to rapid changes in water conditions, so keep the environment stable.

Feeding

• Neon tetras are omnivores, and they require a balanced diet:
  • High-quality flakes or micro-pellets specifically made for small tropical fish.
  • Live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms (as treats).
  • Vegetable matter: Occasionally offer spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables like zucchini.
• Feed them small amounts 2–3 times per day, making sure they consume all food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water pollution.

Behavior and Health

• Schooling Behavior: Neon tetras are very active and exhibit schooling behavior when kept in groups. A stressed tetra may isolate itself, indicating poor health or environmental issues.
• Signs of Good Health: Bright coloration, active swimming, and a healthy appetite are all indicators of a healthy neon tetra.
• Common Health Issues: Neon tetras are prone to diseases like:
  • Neon Tetra Disease (NTD): Symptoms include loss of coloration, lethargy, and swimming issues. Unfortunately, there's no cure for NTD, so prevention (quarantine new fish, maintain water quality) is key.
  • Ich: White spots on the body, which can be treated with temperature adjustments and medication.

Breeding

• Breeding neon tetras in captivity can be challenging but possible with the right setup:
  • Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank with soft, acidic water (pH around 5.0–6.0) and temperature around 75°F–77°F (24°C–25°C).
  • Spawning: Condition a breeding pair by feeding live or frozen foods. The female will scatter eggs on fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.
  • Remove Adults: Once the eggs are laid, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
  • Care for Fry: After the eggs hatch, feed the fry with infusoria or specially prepared liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or microworms.

Tips for Success

• Avoid sudden changes: Neon tetras are sensitive to drastic shifts in temperature, pH, or water quality, so make adjustments gradually.
• Schooling Numbers: Always keep them in groups to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
• Acclimatization: When introducing new neon tetras, acclimate them slowly to avoid shock from differences in water conditions between the store and your tank.

Conclusion

Neon tetras are relatively hardy fish, but their care hinges on stable water conditions and a proper tank environment. Keep them in a well-maintained, community-friendly tank with good water quality, and they’ll reward you with their vibrant colors and energetic swimming!