Ah, the blue neon! That little aquarium fish that has been lighting up our tanks since the 1930s. I still remember the first time I saw a shoal of them in my pet shop. It was as if an aquatic rainbow had come to life before my very eyes! Let me introduce you to this jewel of Amazonian freshwater and give you a few tips on how to care for it.
Discovery and characteristics of neon blue aquarium fish
Origins and natural habitat
Le Paracheirodon innesiBlue neon, more commonly known as blue neon or tetra neon, is native to South America. It is found mainly in the Amazon basins of Peru, Brazil and Colombia. This little fish was discovered in 1936 by Georges S. Since then, it has continued to fascinate aquarists the world over.
In its natural habitat, the blue neon favours acidic, mineral-poor freshwater. These famous Amazonian "black waters" are home to many interesting species. In fact, if you're interested in the other inhabitants of these exotic waters, I recommend that you take a look at this guide to the best shrimp species for aquariums. They make excellent housemates for our little neon lights!
Appearance and behaviour
Blue neon is a real living jewel. Its modest size (3 to 4 cm maximum) is offset by its brilliant colours. A fluorescent blue stripe decorates its back, while its belly is bright red at the back. It's an interesting sight to see them swimming in a group!
These small fish are peaceful and social. They love to live in shoals of at least 10 individuals. I remember one customer who bought just 3, thinking that was enough. When he returned a week later, his neons were stressed and not very active. After adding a few more companions, the transformation was spectacular!
Maintenance of blue neon in aquariums
Ideal conditions for development
To ensure that your blue neon lights reach their full potential, here are the parameters to be respected:
- Temperature: between 20 and 26°C (ideally 22-24°C)
- pH: from 6.0 to 7.2
- Hardness: GH 1 to 12
- Minimum volume: 80 litres for a group
These little guys like a gentle current and well-filtered water. Don't forget that they are sensitive to changes in parameters, so avoid sudden changes!
Food and living together
The Blue Neon is an omnivorous fish with carnivorous tendencies. In the wild, it feasts on micro-crustaceans, larvae and plants. In the aquarium, vary its diet with chaff, pellets, fresh and frozen food. It's a bit like us with our diet - variety is the key!
When it comes to cohabitation, the Blue Neon gets on well with other small, peaceful fish. Avoid, however, large predatory fish that might consider them a tasty snack. If you're wondering how to tell the difference between the sexes of other fish species, here's an interesting article on the distinction between male and female molly.
Reproduction and health
Reproducing blue neon in an aquarium is a real challenge. Under optimum conditions, a female can lay between 60 and 120 eggs. But beware, these little fish are susceptible to "neon disease", a parasite that can be fatal.
Here is a summary table of the main points to look out for when it comes to the health of your neon lights:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of colour | Stress, poor diet | Check the water parameters, vary the feed |
| Erratic swimming | Neon disease | Isolate the fish, consult a specialist |
| Apathy | Stress, group too small | Increase the size of the bench |
Tips for a successful blue neon aquarium
After years of advising aquarium enthusiasts, I have a few tips to share on how to create a paradise for your blue neons:
- Decoration These little fish love plants and hiding places. Create a lush setting with aquatic plants and a few roots or rocks.
- Lighting : Subdued lighting will highlight their fluorescent colours. I once installed blue LEDs in a neon aquarium - it was absolutely magical!
- Maintenance Clean water: Although easy to maintain, neon lights appreciate clean water. Change the water regularly, but not too much to avoid disturbing the parameters.
- Observation Take the time to observe your neon lights. They are active during the day and rest at night. Their behaviour can tell you a lot about their well-being.
By following these tips, you will create the ideal environment for your neon blue aquarium fish. These little marvels of nature will give you a dazzling spectacle every day. So, are you ready to dive into the blue neon adventure?
Remember, aquaristics is an art that requires patience and care. But believe me, when you see your shoal of blue neons swimming happily in your aquarium, you'll understand why this little fish has been a star of our tanks for nearly a century!
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