Diamond Neon Tetra

The Neon Tetra, Paracheirodon innesi, is a South American fish from the family of true tetras, which is native to the upper Amazon basin. It mainly inhabits cooler streams and rainforest rivers and is found in both blackwater and clearwater. This pretty schooling fish is one of the most popular aquarium fish worldwide. The Diamond Neon Tetra is a new breeding form of the classic Neon Tetra and delights with its intense silver instead of blue shimmer and the species-typical bright red tail fin.

Care in the aquarium

The care of the Diamond Neon Tetra is no different from that of the classic Neon Tetra. It is a schooling fish that should be kept with at least 9 other members of its species. Since it loves swimming and requires a lot of free swimming space despite its small size, we recommend an aquarium volume of 80 liters or more. The Diamond Neon Tetra greatly appreciates dense border planting with fine feathery plants and, above all, floating plants that block out the light a little, as it is a little more skittish in aquariums that are too bright. Rather soft and slightly acidic water and a temperature between 22 and 27°C are optimal. The addition of humic substances also promotes health. As an extremely peaceful fish, it can easily be socialized with other peaceful fish, preferably from similar areas of origin.

Feeding

In nature, Paracheirodon innesi feeds primarily on small aquatic insects and invertebrates, but as an omnivore it is not averse to other food sources. In the aquarium, the Diamond Neon Tetra can be fed with fine flake or frozen food as well as small live food such as artemia, copepods or daphnia.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

Male Diamond Neon Tetras can be distinguished from their slightly fuller female counterparts by their slimmer body stature. For breeding in the aquarium, which is not particularly easy, soft, relatively acidic water rich in humic substances is necessary. The KH should be below 3 and the pH value between 6.2 and 6.8. As free spawners, Diamond Neon Tetras lay their eggs freely in plant thickets and do not care for the brood.