Diamondhead Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi 'Diamondhead')
| Diamondhead Neon Tetra Paracheirodon innesi 'Diamondhead' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Diamondhead Neon Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Paracheirodon innesi 'Diamondhead' |
| Synonym | Hyphessobrycon innesi |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Peru (breeding variety) |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 21-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 70-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The diamondhead neon tetra is a breeding form. Neon tetras originate from the Rio Putumayo watershed in eastern Peru. There they live in stagnant tributaries in densely forested areas, with brown, tannin-rich water and dense riparian vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and shaded light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure 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 the wild, neon tetras feed primarily on small insects, 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
They are swimming, peaceful schooling fish and well suited for a community tank with other, not too large and peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably much more Neon Tetras should be kept together.
In principle, 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 females are somewhat stronger and larger
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners. In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Neon tetras are offered in several breeding forms, also with veil fins
The blue stripe serves as a signal to keep the group together in the dark brown black water. The stripe contains pigment cells (iridophores) that can reflect light. At night, without light, the animals are gray-brown, the red stripe then appears black and serves as camouflage (camouflage). In the morning it takes about 15 minutes until the blue stripe starts to glow.
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: Franz Lowak
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