Freshwater

Figure 8-5:
Neon tetras
can be fed
flake food,
tubifex
worms, and
brine
shrimp.
Chapter 8: Finding Your Species
Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
The South American neon tetra (Figure 8-5) is one of the most popular and
recognizable fish in an aquarium. This peaceful little fish has a blue-green
stripe that glitters down the side of its body, and a beautiful red half-stripe
below that. The neon is omnivorous, swims at mid level in the tank, needs to
be kept in schools (at least six to eight minimum), and is quite difficult to
breed in captivity. Males are thinner than the females of the species.
Neons will grow up to an inch and a half in captivity and can live as long as
ten years. Keep this fish in water with a temperature between 70–78 degrees
F and a well-planted tank. This species does not do well under bright lighting,
so make sure to subdue the atmosphere as much as possible.
Unfortunately this fish will be eaten by larger species, so keep it with fish that
are peaceful and similar in size such as the cardinal tetra, small community
fish, and the glowlight tetra.
Serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon serpae)
This fish takes it name from its beautiful color resemblance to a Mexican
serape (large shawl). The peaceful serpae is a mid-level swimmer and is omnivorous.
It is one of the larger tetra species and can be slightly aggressive with
smaller fish. It should be kept in a school of six or more of its own species.
Keep their water temperature between 78–80 degrees, as they tend to chill
easily. Good tankmates include mollies, swordtails, plecos, and corys. This
fish is known to live on average of 5–6 years.
Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
The cardinal tetra is similar in appearance to the neon tetra, except that it
has a larger area of red coloring on its abdomen. The peaceful cardinal
prefers soft, acidic waters (below 6.8 pH) and is omnivorous. This fish swims
in all levels of the tank, should be kept in schools (at least six to eight), and
should never be housed with any larger, aggressive tankmates.
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