Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
| Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Black Neon Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi |
| 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: Ludwig Stiftner
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