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 The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae). The Neon Tetra is known for its peaceful nature and being a schooling species, it does well in group of 10 or more and is most known in the freshwater home aquarium. The fish is sturdy and inexpensive and is often one of the first fish species purchased by beginner aquarists.
The neon tetra has a light-blue back over a silver-white abdomen. It has a spindle shaped body and blunt nose.
The neon tetra has an iridescent blue horizontal stripe along each side
of the fish from its nose to the base of the adipose fin. A red stripe
runs from the middle of the body to the base of the caudal fin. Most of
the neon tetra will develop a olive green sheen lining their backs and
the belly is of a silvery colour and the anal fin is nearly
transparent. During the night, the blue and red become silver as the
fish rests and reactivates once it becomes active in the morning. It
grows to approximately 3 cm (1.25 in) in overall length.
Wild Neon Tetras are omnivore and feed on plant matter as well as on
crustaceans, worms and small insects. They are not fuzzy eaters in the
aquarium and will accept most flake foods, but should also have some
small foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms,
tubiflex, and micro pellet food to supplement their diet. Remember to
keep them on a varied diet to prevent malnutrition.
The Neon Tetra originates from westerns Brazil, south-eastern Columbia
and eastern Peru and wild Neon Tetras can be found in the headwaters of
the River Amazon, Tiger, Napo and Yarapa. It is native to the
blackwater or clearwater streams, including the tributaries of the
Solimoes where the water is between 20 - 26 degree C. However, it is
not found in the whitewater rivers of Andean origin.
Today, an introduced population of Neon Tetra is established in
Singapore. The commercially bred Neon Tetras have adapted well to a
wide range of water conditions. The recommended pH range for the Neon
Tetras is between 5.0 - 7.0 and the recommended dH range is 1 - 2.
However, care have to be taken when they are first introduced to a new
aquatic environment, as they will not tolerate dramatic changes.
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Source:
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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