Neon Tetra     Paracheirodon innesi

Grows to:  1.3"

Hobbyist Level:  Recommended for aquarists with some experience.

How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 6 or more.  Ten or more is best.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They look good with a dark substrate.  They swim in the mid to upper region of the tank.  They prefer frequent water changes that mimic fresh rainfall.  Minimum tank size is about 10 gallons. (Temperature- 72-82),  (pH 6.5-6.8)

Tank mates:  They are peaceful fish that should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. Will school with cardinal tetras.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  Tetras will show their best color after you have owned it for a few months and have given them a good diet.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Brazil, Columbia, & Peru.   Fish sold at Elmer's are captive raised.

Males and Females:  The blue line down males body may appear more straight, while females (round bodied with eggs) may appear to have a curve to their blue line of color.

See also:  Tetras