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Paracheirodon simulans Least Concern

Green neon tetra

Stats

Family

Characidae

Genus

Paracheirodon

Size

2.50 cm

Maxes out at around an inch.

Temperament

Peaceful, Community

Peaceful, though care should be taken when selecting tank mates, as their small size makes them easy prey for most larger fish.

Diet

Insectivore, Omnivore

Tank Size

38.00 L

50.00 cm x 25.00 cm

Temperature

25.0 C - 35.0 C

Parameters

pH of 3.0-7.5, prefers lower, but long term tank kept specimens can adapt to conditions on the higher end of their tolerance range.

Level

Other

Other Information

A small schooling fish, found in blackwater streams/rivers. Can show a bit of red like their close relative P. innesi, though typically does not. I do not know why they turn certain colors on or off, but they can turn their red on or off (usually keeping it off), and turn their "neon" bar from a deep blue to a green, sometimes even a copper orange.

Breeding

Spawning Method

Egg-scatterer

Like most egg scatterers, they spawn in the morning as the sun rises. Eggs are (ideally) scattered around masses of vegetation (or simulated vegetation), though they can be scattered randomly in open water. Eggs are photosensitive and cannot be exposed to light for the few days it takes them to hatch and become free swimming. Eggs may need methylene blue to prevent the growth of fungus.

Spawn Size

150 fry

Breeding Season or Trigger

Simulated rain triggers spawning in larger breeding setups, but a drop in pH simulating the washing of tannins (and of course rainwater) downstream is enough to trigger spawning.

Fry Care

Fry are extremely small and require live foods such as vinegar eels or infusoria. They can eventually be transitioned to newly hatched brine shrimp and dry foods as they get bigger.

Locations

Photos

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A shoal in an aquarium. Image Credit: @encichlopedia

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