Neon Fish, Neon Tetra
- Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi, Hyphessobrycon innesi
- Common name: neon fish, neon tetra
- Aquarium size : 15 gal
- Temperament: Quiet
- Temperature: Between 69,8º and 82,4 ºF
- pH: Between 4 and 7.5
- Diet: omnivores
- Length: 1,6 in
Description
The Neon fish, Neon tetra or Neon Innesi, is a warm and fresh water fish of the characin family. They are related to the famous piranhas, and to the also known Tetra Cardinal or neon Cardinal.
It is a fish that is not too easy to reproduce in the aquarium, although not impossible. Currently, it is a very popular fish since professionals have managed to overcome the problem of reproduction in captivity and many of them are produced. these fish, greatly reducing the price of neon fish. To its price, we must add something that is evident and that aquarium lovers appreciate, it is a fish that adapts well to living with other species, it is not very demanding in the quality of the water and is very resistant, which makes it a suitable variety of fish for anyone who wants to start in the world of aquariums.
Morphology
The neon fish or neon tetra, is a fairly small fish, usually measuring about 4 centimeters. They have an elongated shape, with a rounded nose. Their coloration is formed by an intense blue or greenish blue lateral stripe, with a red spot on the ventral part of the fish. With these color changes, it is not uncommon that on occasion you can find with statements such as Neon red fish, Neon blue fish or Neon copper fish…they actually refer to the same Neon Tetra, but at different times and colorations.
This stripe is less noticeable in black waters, it seems that it would be a natural protection against predators. It is known that neon fish can change the intensity of their coloration, becoming lighter in conditions of lighter substrate or bottom, and duller and with a more violet lateral stripe at night. It is supposed to be a natural response, with the intention of making them less visible to their predators.
Sexual Dimorphism
There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, except that females are usually somewhat rounder and larger than males. It is quite difficult to tell the difference between one and the other.
Distribution and habitat
Although the origin of the neon fish is not very clear, it has been proven that geographically there are several areas of location, one would be around Leticia, Colombia and Brazil. A second area, in which populations of paracheirodon innesi have also been found, is a few hundred kilometers to the east, in the Amazon, Brazil and the Purus River, a tributary of the Amazon at the mouth of Codajás. Additional populations have also been sighted in western Brazil, eastern Peru, and southeastern Colombia.
Its natural habitat is the minor currents of main river channels.They are acidic and soft waters, usually stained brown, due to the presence of decomposing organic matter. But this is not always the case, because some populations live in transparent waters. https://antibioticsfish.com
