Green Neon Tetra

Descrição

Paracheirodon simulans, commonly known as the Green Neon Tetra, is a small, freshwater characin belonging to the family Characidae. It is renowned for its striking iridescent blue-green lateral stripe, which is more prominent and extends further along the body compared to its close relatives, the Neon Tetra (P. innesi) and Cardinal Tetra (P. axelrodi). This species is a schooling fish, typically found in large aggregations in its natural habitat. Its diminutive size and peaceful nature make it a popular choice for planted aquariums.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

torpedo

Coloração

The body is slender and elongated, with a translucent, silvery-white ventral region. The most striking feature is the iridescent blue-green lateral stripe that runs from the snout, through the eye, and extends almost to the caudal peduncle. Below this stripe, there is a less intense, narrow red stripe that begins mid-body and extends to the caudal peduncle. The dorsal surface is typically olive-brown.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Prominent iridescent blue-green lateral stripe extending almost the full length of the body., Smaller size compared to P. innesi and P. axelrodi., Less extensive red stripe compared to P. innesi and P. axelrodi.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, relatively small, typically clear or slightly amber.

Nadadeira caudal

Forked, transparent, with no distinct coloration.

Nadadeira peitoral

Small, transparent, positioned ventrally.

Nadadeiras características

Adipose fin present, small and transparent, located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

freshwater

Profundidade

Typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters, often in areas with dense vegetation or submerged roots.

Ambiente

Blackwater rivers and streams, often associated with flooded forests (igapós) and oxbow lakes. The water is characterized by low pH, low hardness, and high concentrations of humic substances, giving it a tea-stained appearance. Substrates are usually leaf litter, fine sand, or detritus.

Distribuição geográfica

Native to South America, specifically the upper Rio Negro basin in Brazil and Colombia, and parts of the Orinoco basin.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: intermediate
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Alimentação: omnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 38 liters (10 gallons) for a small school
• Temperatura: 23-27°C (73-81°F)
• Nível de pH: 4.0-6.5
• Dureza da água: 1-5 dGH (very soft to soft)
• Compatibilidade: Excellent for community tanks with other small, peaceful fish such as other tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and corydoras. Avoid housing with large or aggressive species that may prey on them.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-established, mature aquarium with dense planting, dim lighting, and plenty of hiding spots. They thrive in soft, acidic 'blackwater' conditions, often achieved with peat filtration or botanicals. A strong current should be avoided. They are best kept in schools of 10 or more individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: No specific seasonal behavior patterns are documented for this species regarding breeding or migration, as they are typically found year-round in their habitats. Collection for the aquarium trade may be influenced by water levels during dry and wet seasons.
• Preço de mercado: Low to moderate, depending on source and quantity.
• Importância comercial: medium
• Sabor: Not applicable, too small for culinary use.
• Textura: Not applicable, too small for culinary use.
• Valor nutricional: Not applicable, too small for culinary use.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Characiformes

Família

Characidae

Gênero

Paracheirodon

Espécie

simulans

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