Ah, the neon blue fish! A real aquatic jewel that has been lighting up our aquariums for decades. As a pet shop floor manager, I've been lucky enough to come into contact with these little marvels on a daily basis. Let me share with you everything you need to know about this fascinating fish, from its origins to its care and unique characteristics.
Introducing blue neon: an Amazonian jewel
Origin and natural habitat
Le neon blue fishThe sea bass, whose scientific name is Paracheirodon innesi, is native to the fresh waters of South America. It is found mainly in the tributaries of the Amazon basin, in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. In its natural habitat, this small fish prefers calm, shallow waters rich in vegetation.
I remember my first encounter with these fish on a trip to the Amazon. It was magical to see them evolve in their natural habitat, slipping between the aquatic plants with incomparable grace.
Physical characteristics
The blue neon is a small fish, measuring between 3 and 5 cm in length. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly its bright, vivid colouring. A fluorescent blue band runs down its sides, while its underside has a beautiful red hue. This contrast of colours makes it a real living jewel in our aquariums.
Here's a quick summary of its main features:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 3-5 cm |
| Colour | Blue fluorescent stripe, red belly |
| Life expectancy | 5-6 years on average |
| Behaviour | Peaceful and sociable |
Behaviour and lifestyle
Le neon blue fish is a gregarious animal that lives in shoals. Both in the wild and in aquariums, it is preferable to keep them in groups of at least 10 individuals. It is a peaceful, sociable fish, making it an excellent companion for many other peaceful species.
I've always been fascinated by their synchronised ballet in the aquarium. It's a real spectacle to see them swimming together, their colours glistening under the light.
Aquarium maintenance: the keys to success
Ideal conditions for blue neon to flourish
For your blue neon lights to flourish, you need to reproduce their natural living conditions as closely as possible. Here are the parameters to be respected:
- Temperature: between 22 and 26°C (they can withstand 18 to 28°C)
- pH: between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic water)
- Hardness: 1 to 12 GH (soft to medium hard water)
- Aquarium volume: minimum 60-80L for a group
Don't forget that these little fish like calm waters with shaded areas. A well-planted aquarium with moderate lighting will be perfect for bringing out their magnificent colours.
Food and care
Blue Neons need a varied diet to ensure their good health. In the wild, they feed on micro-crustaceans, insect larvae and algae. In the aquarium, you can offer them :
- Specific flakes and granules for tropical fish
- Live or frozen food (artemia, daphnia)
- Plant foods to supplement their diet
To maintain good water quality, change the water regularly (10-25% per week) and make sure you have filtration suited to the volume of your aquarium. This care is essential to prevent the dreaded "neon disease", a microsporidian parasite to which they are particularly sensitive.
If you are also interested in freshwater invertebrates, I recommend that you consult our guide on food for aquarium shrimps. They make excellent roommates for the blue neon lights!
Cohabitation and reproduction
Blue Neon get on wonderfully well with other small, peaceful fish. However, avoid pairing them with large predatory fish that might regard them as a snack! Good companions include tetras, rasboras and corydoras.
Reproducing blue neon in aquariums is a little trickier and requires special conditions. The females, which are slightly larger and rounder than the males, lay their eggs on the plants. If you want to try your hand at reproduction, get ready for an exciting challenge!
And if you're wondering about sex differentiation in aquarium fish, take a look at our article on how to tell the difference between a male and a female molly fish. Techniques may vary from one species to another, but it's always interesting!
Blue neon: much more than just an ornamental fish
The blue neon is not only a magnificent aquarium fish, it is also a true ambassador for Amazonian ecosystems. Since its introduction to the aquarium trade in the 1930s, it has continued to fascinate enthusiasts the world over.
As a professional aquarist, I can only encourage you to welcome these little wonders into your aquarium. Not only will they add a touch of colour and life to your set-up, but they will also allow you to connect with the richness of Amazonian biodiversity.
Take good care of your blue neon lights, respect their needs, and they'll give you an enchanting show for many years to come. And who knows? Maybe, like me, you'll become a true ambassador for these little aquatic gems!
Remember: every aquarium is a little ecosystem in its own right. By looking after your blue neon fish, you're helping to preserve a fascinating species and giving yourself a window onto the wonders of nature. So, are you ready to dive into the blue neon adventure?
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