Albino Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi 'Albino')

Albino Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi 'Albino'
Name	Albino Black Neon Tetra
Name Lat.	Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi 'Albino'
Family	Characins
Family lat.	Characidae
Order	Characins
Order lat.	Characiformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Streams, floodplains
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.5-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group, school
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	4-7 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	4 cm
Temperature	20-28 °C
Hardness	1-12 °dH
Aquarium	~ 80 l
US Units
Size	1.6"
Temperature	68-82 °F
Hardness	18-214 ppm
Aquarium	~ 20 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Black Neon are native to the Rio Paraguay watershed in Mato Grosso, Brazil. They live in the still waters of small rivers and streams and in floodplains with dense riparian vegetation and sandy-muddy, leafy bottoms.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed mainly on insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

These very peaceful schooling fish can be kept very well with other peaceful, not too lively fish as well as with shrimps and dwarf shrimps in a community tank. They should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish.

Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature may be socialized

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The significantly larger females have a rounder abdomen.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners. In soft, slightly acidic water they usually spawn up to 300 eggs between fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after 2-3 days. The parents do not engage in brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.

Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.

Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF