Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi Myers, 1936

Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

The Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 2.5 cm (1 in). It is moderate to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 US gal), water at 20–26°C (68–79°F) and a pH of 5.0–7.0. Native range: South America, natural riverine habitat is Amazonia; most Neon Tetras are bred commercially.

Neon tetra care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
2.5 cm (1 in)
Minimum tank
40 L (11 US gal)
Temperature
20–26°C (68–79°F)
pH
5.0–7.0
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, freeze-dried foods and frozen foods.

Biology

Feeds on worms, small insects, crustaceans and plant matter. In tank, female lays a relatively small number of eggs, which hatch in about 24 hours. Most popular aquarium fish. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Paracheirodon innesi
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
2.2
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.0 - 7.0; dH range: 1 - 2 pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Blackwater or clearwater stream tributaries of the Solim?es River.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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