Neon tetras are small, peaceful fish that make great additions to freshwater aquariums with other community species. While they are technically a shoaling species of fish, neon tetras can be kept in pairs or groups in larger tanks where there is ample swimming space for all the inhabitants. The black neon tetra’s coloration makes it a popular choice in both home and public aquariums.
The Black Neon Tetra is categorized as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Neon tetras have an olive green or black body marked by blue stripes along their sides. They also have bright red fins highlighted by brilliant blue highlights at the tips of each fin ray. Black neon tetras are a black-bodied variation of the neon tetra that is popular in both home and public aquariums.
Black Neon Tetra Description
The Black Neon Tetra has an elongated, almost torpedo-shaped body that tapers toward the rear as it swims. The tail fin curves upward slightly. This fish grows between 1 ½ to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) long for males and two to three inches (5 to 7 cm) long for females. There is quite a size difference between male and female black neon tetras, so care should be taken when setting them up in a tank together. Tank mates must be selected with this in mind or the female may end up being eaten by her much larger mate. Black neon tetras have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
1. Black Neon Tetra Size:
Neon tetras are one of the smallest fish commonly kept in home aquariums. They have a maximum length of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm).
2. Black Neon Tetra Lifespan:
Black neon tetras live an average of 3 years with proper care and treatment. With optimum water quality, they can live up to 4 or 5 years or possibly longer if conditions are less than optimal. Fish that live longer tend to be hardier and stronger as they age, making them more resistant to common diseases and ailments. Proper diet is also essential for keeping black neon tetras healthy for their entire lifespan .
Origin of Black Neon Tetra:
The black neon tetra was first discovered in the Orinoco River basin of southern Venezuela in the 1800s and has been exported to other countries since that time. It is likely that this species originated from a cross breeding program between wild neon tetras and related species such as the cardinal tetra.
Black Neon Tetra Colors:
Black neon tetras are a solid black body color with bright red fins highlighted by brilliant blue highlights at the tips of each fin ray. Blue stripes run along their sides, running from one side of the fish to another before turning vertically down toward the tail fin where they continue into the lower half of the body. These colors make them very popular when kept together in larger home aquariums and public display tanks.
Black Neon Tetra Markings:
Neon tetras have a straight body that is highlighted by two dark brown to black horizontal lines running from the eye to the tail fin. These lines are very faint on young fish, becoming more distinct as they age. The back half of their body and fins can be olive green or yellow-green in color while the front half is jet black with a blue iridescent sheen . All neon tetra species have red fins highlighted by brilliant blue highlights at the tips of each fin ray. The scales along the side of this fish provide protection for themselves as well as other inhabitants of their tank, making them harder for any predators to swallow whole. This coloring also makes it easier for them to remain hidden from predators swimming toward them at a shallow angle.
Tankmates:
Black neon tetras are not aggressive fish, but they will do best with other non-aggressive species of similar size and temperament in their own tank. They work well with most other small tropical fish that inhabit home aquariums as long as the tank is large enough for each individual’s needs. Because black neon tetras have a very timid nature, it is extremely important to avoid keeping them in tanks with fish larger than themselves . Even semi-aggressive fish such as mollies can potentially injure or kill this tiny species of aquarium fish if given the opportunity. Black neon tetras should never be kept with overly aggressive cichlids either. It is also important to avoid mixing neon tetra species together. They will often fight with one another if they are not kept in a tank of their own.
Black Neon Tetra Habitat and Care:
The black neon tetra requires at least 10 gallons of water space per individual, preferably more for larger tanks that have more than one fish inside them. These fishes can be kept in either fresh or saltwater aquariums as long as the water is treated properly so it is safe for all inhabitants . All members of this species enjoy living in densely planted environments where they can feel sheltered and hidden, but they do not require plants to survive. Rocks and wood pieces may also be added as shelter during initial setup . The substrate itself should consist of a fine grain of sand, gravel, or small pebbles that are easy for the fish to swim through. This species is particularly sensitive to having too many chemicals present in their water, so its environment should be kept free from chlorine and chloramine as much as possible.
Black Neon Tetra Diet:
There are no special foods required for black neon tetras , though they will enjoy a variety of different flake and pellet foods . These foods should ideally have an appropriate amount of protein needed to promote proper growth and maintain ideal health throughout their entire lives. Frozen food items such as frozen bloodworms may also be used in place of live specimens should they become more readily available at local pet stores or online aquarium supply companies .
Gender Differences:
Black neon tetras have very few differences between genders, and the ones that do exist are practically impossible to spot without a magnifying glass . The male fish is slightly longer in length but has no other noticeable differences when viewed from above or below in an aquarium environment. Young black neon tetras start life as females and will remain so until they mature into adult males around 18 months old. This species can live for up to five years with proper care , which makes them good additions to home or public aquariums.
Breeding:
Neon tetra fish eggs usually grow about 0.5 inches long . These tiny eggs are usually laid on plants like Java moss where they stick firmly and quickly hatch after 24 hours or less.
The tiny, newly hatched baby fish will eat any type of food particles it can find until it is large enough to hunt small insects and other foods on its own. This species is not bred by aquarists very often due to their tiny size and difficulty associated with breeding them in home aquariums . It may be possible for larger public aquariums to breed this species more readily because they have a greater amount of room available for adult fish, juveniles, eggs, and potential offspring .
Conclusion:
Black neon tetras are an interesting addition to any freshwater tropical fish tank that has been well-thought out beforehand. All members of this species are easygoing with one another once they reach adulthood , even kept in a tank of their own. They are active swimmers and will spend most of their time swimming throughout the water column in search of food . They can be housed with larger fish as long as they are peaceful species that are not overly aggressive towards smaller individuals.
This species may also prove to be a difficult one for home aquarists to breed, but public aquariums with large tanks may have more luck in this regard. If you enjoy keeping attractive small tropical fish like neon tetras then these hardy beings make good additions for your next purchase from an online or local pet store .
FAQ:
1. How many black neon tetras are in a school? ( 1 )
A school is the most basic group of fish . The word itself originated from the word “scholae,” which is Latin for ‘schools.’ Schools offer protection from larger animals, predators and also other schools. If you see one black neon tetra , there are sure to be more in hiding or close by.
2. How big do black neon tetras get? ( About 3/4 inch long as adults.)
They are generally no bigger than 3/4 inches at adulthood with males being slightly longer than females . Neon tetras can mature around 12 months old, but they may stay smaller for their whole life if kept in an aquarium environment that lacks proper nutrition or space for growth. It is important to monitor your neon tetras for growth and health at least every other week.
3. What size tank do black neon tetras need? ( 10 gallon min.)
Black neon tetras are able to thrive in tanks ranging from 2 gallons to 20 gallons depending on the number of individuals that comprise your school . At least a 10-gallon sized aquarium is needed if you choose to house them on their own, but larger fish tanks of up to 55 gallons can house multiple schools of black neons without issue as long as they have enough space to swim around and eat when hungry. Tank size also depends on how many neon tetras you want per school—the smaller the tank, the more personal space one or two will occupy .
4. Do black neon tetras glow? ( Yes)
One of the most interesting things about this species is their ability to naturally emit light in a dark environment. The movement of their scales and a chemical reaction within their bodies causes the reflected light that we see as ‘glowing’ or bioluminescence. This is why some people believe black neon tetras are poisonous fish , but they are actually harmless to humans and other animals . Other types of aquarium fish that can glow include angelfish, discus, and tetras like rummynose tetra, red eye tetra, neon rainbowfish, golden silver dollars and more . In fact, many tropical freshwater fish have this ability!
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