Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)
| Green Neon Tetra Paracheirodon simulans | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Green Neon Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Paracheirodon simulans |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | NW-South America |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 3.0-6.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3 cm |
| Temperature | 23-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-8 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-142 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Blue Neon originate from the upper and middle Rio Negro watershed (Brazil) and the Rio Orinoco system (Colombia, Venezuela). 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. They should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should 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 about 24 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days. The parents do not care for the brood and should be separated from the brood after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Young fish 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
After habituation also harder water values are tolerated (up to 15 °dH)
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: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
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