Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are stunning and popular freshwater fish known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature. Native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin in South America, they require specific care to thrive. Here's a description of neon tetras and how to provide proper care for them:

1. Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Neon Tetras are small fish, typically growing up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length.
- Appearance: They have a slender, streamlined body with a blue-green back and a vibrant horizontal red stripe that runs from the middle of their body to the base of their tail.

2. Habitat and Water Parameters:
- Natural Habitat: Neon Tetras originate from acidic, blackwater environments with a pH below 6.5. They are typically found in soft, tannin-stained waters, surrounded by dense vegetation and submerged tree roots.
- Aquarium Setup: Mimic their natural habitat by creating a well-planted tank with low lighting. Utilize dark substrate, such as peat or sand, to imitate the tannin-stained water.
- Water Conditions: Neon Tetras require soft water to thrive. Maintain a pH level between 5.0 and 7.0 (closer to the lower end) and keep the water hardness (GH) below 10 dGH. It is crucial to avoid sudden fluctuations in water parameters.

3. Tank Size and Tankmates:
- Tank Size: Provide a spacious tank to allow for swimming and schooling behavior. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is suitable for a small group of Neon Tetras.
- Schooling Nature: Neon Tetras are social fish and feel more secure when kept in groups of six or more. Maintaining a school of at least 10 individuals will make them feel comfortable and display their natural behavior.
- Tankmates: Choose peaceful and compatible tankmates, such as other small, non-aggressive fish that thrive in similar water conditions. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or larger fish that may intimidate or harass them.

4. Feeding:
- Diet: Neon Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of food. Offer them a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food specifically formulated for small tropical fish. Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to provide additional nutrition and variety.
- Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts of food two to three times a day, only providing what they can consume within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues.

5. Water Maintenance:
- Water Quality: Regularly monitor water parameters using a reliable test kit. Maintain excellent water quality by performing partial water changes of around 25% of the tank volume every one to two weeks.
- Filtration: Utilize a gentle filtration system to provide water movement and remove debris. Avoid strong currents that may stress the fish.

Neon Tetras are delicate fish, so it's crucial to provide them with optimal water conditions and a suitable environment. By replicating their natural habitat and maintaining stable water parameters, you can enjoy their vibrant colors and observe their peaceful schooling behavior.