background
tv schedule store
logo nav barDiscovery ChannelThe Learning Channel (TLC)Animal PlanetTravel ChannelDiscovery Health Channel
.com address
bottom
search top
site index
search
November 23, 2009
Freshwater Fish
send to a friend
printer friendly version

Diamond Head Neon Tetra
More Fish
Ready for the next tetra? Check out the Diamond Tetra.

Back to Tetras — Overview.

Open the Main Menu.

Diamond Head Neon Tetra
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The Diamond Head Neon Tetra comes from the clear waters of South America. The Diamond Head variety of Paracheirodon innesi has been developed through selective breeding. This variety has a metallic "diamond" patch on its back between the eyes and dorsal fin. It can be identified by the bright blue stripe, offset by red, that runs horizontally down the side of its body.

In at least a 30-gallon aquarium, plants, rocks, and some driftwood should be used to give the Diamond Head Neon Tetra hiding spaces and security. It is a mid-level swimming fish, so taller plants should be used. The Diamond Head Neon Tetra requires a steady, slightly acidic pH and constant temperature.

In the aquarium, the female will lay a relatively small number of eggs, which hatch in about 24 hours after fertilization. This can happen frequently if large numbers of Diamond Head Neon Tetras are present. To avoid losing the fry, a separate "breeding tank" should be used.

The Diamond Head Neon Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.

Ideal tank mates include: Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Discus, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Plecos and small Scavenger Catfish.

Fish Facts
Name: Diamond Head Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
Family: Characidae
Range: South America
Size: Up to 2.5 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Plants, rocks
Tank Conditions: 72-80°F; pH 6.6-7.0; dH 12-18
Minimum Tank Capacity: 30 gallons
Light: Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Middle
Care Level: Moderate
Reproduction: Egg Layer
advertisement

Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2009 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.