Archerfish

Size : 1" - 1.2" Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are native to the clear water streams of South America.  They have an iridescent blue body with bright red tails and when kept in schools of eight or more, create a startling splash of color to any aquarium. Neon Tetras prefer a setting similar to their natural habitat.  A densely planted aquarium that  has a few rocks, some driftwood nestled between the plants, some floating plants and plenty of low light areas for the fish to hide in, will keep your Neons healthy and happy. Neon Tetras have a tendency to swim or remain suspended in the water column in large schools. This trait creates a breathtakingly colorful display in any aquarium. Neons are peaceful little fish and should be housed with other similar South American tetras of the same size.  They belong to the family “Characidae” and thrive in slightly acidic (pH 5.0 to 7.0) water. Neon Tetras will eagerly accept many small foods such as live brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifexworms, bloodworms, freeze-dried products, micro pellets, and high quality flake foods.  Vary their diet to keep them healthy and happy. Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 68-77° F, KH 4-8, pH 5.0-7.0 Max. Size: 2″ Color: Iridescent Blue, Red Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Peaceful Origin: South America, the Paraguay River basin; Rio Taquari, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Brazil Family: Characidae Lifespan: 5 – 10 years Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Approx. 0.5"

Best kept in a well-decorated set-up with aquatic vegetation and woody structures. The addition of some floating plants to diffuse the light entering the aquarium also seems to be appreciated and the addition of dried leaf litter can add a natural feel. Filtration, or at least water flow, should be relatively gentle, and use a soft substrate if possible since Oreichthys species have miniscule sensory bristles on the lower jaw which are used when foraging.

Unsuitable for most community aquaria as it may be intimidated or outcompeted for food by larger or more boisterous tankmates. Small, peaceful cyprinids such as Trigonostigma or Boraras species make good choices and we suspect it will also do ok with many South American characins, Otocinclus or pygmy Corydoras catfishes. Potential additions from the Ganges basin include Badis badis, Pangio pangia, and Colisa chuna. Although gregarious by nature it’s a shoaling rather than schooling fish which develops a distinct pecking order and rival males will exhibit some interesting sparring behaviour in captivity. It’s best maintained in a group of 8 or more but the tank must be decorated in such a way that many broken lines of sight are provided. If kept singly, in a very small group or in cramped conditions it can become withdrawn and subdominant fish may be bullied incessantly. Will accept dried foods of a suitable size but should not be fed these exclusively. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia, and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition. Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 6.5 – 7.5 Hardness: 90 – 268 ppm