Neon tetras are dazzling colored aquatic fishes. The little neon tetras are originally imported from Latin America. They are very vibrant and active in the tank and look great in community. Tetras are always playful and try to do something interesting. Because of their vibrant nature, tetras have become first choice for many aquarists. They are peaceful and having the characteristics of adjusting in wide range of water parameter. To keep good health of neon tetra, you should know what their living requirements are and what the ways to meet the requirements are. In this article, you will be able to know the complete care guide of the lovely neon tetras.

Neon tetras are generally all captive bred and most of them come from Eastern Europe farms. Several varieties of neon tetras are available now and they are long fin neon tetra, golden neon tetra, diamond neon tetra etc. Neon tetras are oval body shaped. Their fins are very small. Usually they grow upto 4 cm. Their fantastic coloring outlook is just like dazzling star in your water tank.

1. Behavior: By nature they are shy and get afraid very easily. They prefer darker portion of water tanks and try to hide them from any threats. They are comfortable in group of at least ten to fifteen tetras. As they are easily get scared, their tank should have plenty of rocks and plants so that they can hide themselves. Tranquil temperature of water tank is required for the tetras. Tetras are very peaceful with other fish of similar characteristics. When they are in danger, them may show aggression to larger fish.

2. Life expectancy of Neon Tetra: The neon tetras are normally can survive upto 8 years in wild environment. However, it can be increased with proper care. Regular water changes, creating a peaceful aquatic environment and a routine feeding schedule can enhance the life expectancy in 4-6 years more.

3. Neon Tetra’s feeding: It’s very much important to maintain adequate feeding for the fish in aquarium. Over feeding can cause serious water pollution which will be harmful for the fish. At the same time, less feeding will create serious health issues. Feeding should be done according to the size of fish and tank as well. The main diet of neon tetras is omnivorous. Omnivorous is made of flakes, shrimps pellets and bloodworms. Few often the eat frozen foods also. Commonly fond of frozen foods by neon tetras are krill, daphnia, worms etc. Tetras like to eat algae of plants and tank walls. So, it’s wise decision to add few plants in neon tetra’s tank. Feeding of neon tetras can be limited to two times daily. Eat them upto maximum three minutes. Eating over three minutes will cause stress on their immune systems.

4. Neon Tetra Tank Care: Aquarium set up of tetra should be done through nitrogen cycle. Tank becomes ready for tetra when it completes nitrogen cycle. Soft and acidic water is required for tetras best health. Tetra can live in both cold or warm water. However, their preferable water temperature is between 20-28 degree. PH level of water should not be more than 7. Driftwoods are used in tetra’s tank to darken the water. Thus maintaining acidic PH of water will be easy. Plants are best suited for the tetras tank since they are comfortable in low light aquarium. Dark background in three sides of aquarium may be handy to achieve desired low light. 25% water changes should be done in each month and 50% water changes in every month to maintain optimum water condition.

5. Tank mates of neon tetra: Neon tetras are widely popular for their schooling habit. They are comfortable in group stay and prefer community tank as well. Depending on the tank size, tetras can be kept at least 5 to 20. Tetras can be comfortable with other species which bears similar types of temperament. Usually they are great with following species:

          a. Minnows

          b. Small catfish

          c. Gouramis

          d. Cichilds

You must avoid mates which are normally fast swimmer.

6. Neon Tetras Disease: Neon tetra disease, caused by the parasitic protozoan Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, primarily affects neon tetras and other small fish species. Symptoms include loss of coloration, emaciation, bloating, and spinal deformities. Unfortunately, there’s no known cure for neon tetra disease. Prevention through maintaining excellent water quality, quarantining new fish, and avoiding stressors is crucial.

7. Breeding of neon tetra: Breeding neon tetras is great endeavor for aquarists. Creating optimal breeding conditions needs a planted tank with low lighting and soft, slightly acidic water. Introducing a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops encourages spawning behavior. After successful spawning, adult tetras should be taken to separate tank to prevent egg consumption. Neon tetra eggs typically hatch within 24-36 hours. Neon fry become free swimmer after about five days. Raising fry properly requires feeding them infusoria or commercially available fry food until they are large enough to consume powdered or crushed flakes.