Neon Tetra

Descrizione

The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a small, freshwater fish belonging to the Characidae family, native to the blackwater and clearwater streams of the Amazon basin. It is renowned for its striking iridescent blue stripe running horizontally along its body, complemented by a vibrant red stripe extending from the middle of its body to the caudal fin. This coloration serves as a schooling signal in its natural, dimly lit habitats. They are peaceful, schooling fish, making them a popular choice for community aquariums.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

A brilliant iridescent blue-green stripe extends from the snout to the adipose fin, overlying a vibrant red stripe that begins mid-body and extends to the caudal peduncle. The ventral side is silvery-white. Fins are generally translucent.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Prominent iridescent blue-green lateral stripe, Vivid red stripe below the blue stripe, extending from mid-body to tail, Small, slender body

Pinna dorsale

Single, small, and typically translucent, located mid-back.

Pinna caudale

Forked (homocercal), translucent.

Pinna pettorale

Small, paired, located just behind the gills, translucent.

Pinne distintive

Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of Characidae.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Habitat

Tipo di acqua

freshwater

Profondità

Typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters, often near the surface or mid-water column.

Ambiente

Blackwater and clearwater tributaries, streams, and floodplains of the Amazon basin. These environments are characterized by dense vegetation, leaf litter, submerged roots, and often stained with tannins, resulting in soft, acidic water and subdued lighting.

Areale geografico

Native to the western and northern Amazon basin, specifically in the Solimões River (upper Amazon) and its tributaries, and the Putumayo River in southeastern Colombia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil.

Informazioni sull'acquario

• Livello di cura: beginner
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Dieta: omnivore
• Dimensione minima della vasca: 10 gallons (38 liters) for a school of 6-8 individuals
• Temperatura: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
• Livello di pH: 5.5-7.0
• Durezza: 1-10 dGH
• Compatibilità: Excellent with other small, peaceful community fish such as other tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and small gouramis. Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish that may prey on them.
• Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting and dark substrate to mimic their natural environment and enhance their coloration. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. Good water quality is paramount.

Informazioni in natura

• Stato di conservazione: least concern
• Stagionalità: Breeding in the wild is often tied to the rainy season, when water parameters become softer and more acidic, and food sources are abundant. Available year-round in the aquarium trade, primarily from captive breeding.
• Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate, depending on region and quantity purchased.
• Importanza commerciale: high
• Sapore: Not typically consumed due to their small size.
• Consistenza: Not typically consumed due to their small size.
• Valore nutrizionale: Negligible for human consumption due to small size.

Fatti chiave

Specie simili

Classificazione scientifica

Regno

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordine

Characiformes

Famiglia

Characidae

Genere

Paracheirodon

Specie

Paracheirodon innesi

Esplora Neon Tetra