FishLvr.com

By Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Paracheirodon axelrodi

Size: 4.5cm (1 three quarter inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: All

Habitat: Slow-flowing waters in Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia

Remarks: For best colours (and breeding conditions), provide soft acidic water. This tetra is distinguished from other similar fishes like, Paracheirodon innesi and P. simulans, by the extent of the red band.

Comments: A striking, electric blue stripe adorns this fish, running from the snout, through the top half of the eye, to the adipose fin. The lower body is bright red, with a small, silver area along the front ventral surface. Females have deeper bodies. Unlike the Neon Tetra, this fish requires much softer water to keep and breed and should not be confused with the Neon Tetra for ease of keeping.

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By Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Paracheirodon innesi

Size: 2.5cm (1 inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: All

Habitat: The natural riverine habitat is Amazonia, but most Neon Tetras are now commercially bred

Remarks: The Neon Tetra is hardy and peaceful but difficult to breed.

Comments: The slim body of this fish has the same unmistakable electric blue-green stripe as the Cardinal Tetra. Here, however, the front lower body is silver. Scales are well defined in the upper dorsal area, and the fins are generally clear. Females have a plumper bodies which “bend” the stripe further. This has to be one of the most kept species of tropical fish, easy to keep and looks great in large shoals together in a well planted aquarium.

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