Neon - Paracheirodon innesi
In aquaria Paracheirodon innesi is known as neon fish. Till not long ago its name was Hypehessobrycon innesi. The specie is spread in the west of Brazil, Columbia, north of Peru, in superior area of Amazon to Iquitas, in Amazon`s affluent: Putamayo and Purus. It lives in the dark water of these rivers and Dr. H. Axelrod has emitted a hypothesis assuming that the shining lateral line helps them find each other in the reproduction period. They have a slender body, with medium oblate flanks, a dull mouth; the abdomen is more slender to males than females, especially when they are in the reproduction period. Paracheirodon innesi can reach 4 cm. They have a lateral shining blue or green line, depending on the light flow angle, which goes from the superior part of the iris to the adipose fin area. Under this shining line, there is a dark red line which can go to the tail. The iris has shining golden points, the back is light olive, slivery abdomen, uncolored fins, and the first rays of the anal fin are white.
Paracheirodon innesi obtained a fame of a hard to breed fish. These things are said by people who don`t know much about aquaria, not by experienced fish breeders. In common aquariums, they don`t request anything different than other fish do. On the contrary, they are less sensitive than other species of aquarium fish. Aquarium fish breeders who say it`s a sensitive fish confound the breeding conditions with the reproduction ones. Indeed, for breeding Paracheirodon innesi needs some extra special conditions, but which we found for other species too. So we first need a good couple for spawning. It was found out that the fish kept in aquarium water with more than 8°dGH are not 100% appropriate for reproduction. So the first condition is to have aquarium water with 4-7°dGH. Even if they spawn, there are big chances to have few eggs, and the fry is susceptible of getting the neon disease.
The feeding is also very important. In order to have a good reproduction couple, we have to feed them with living food, but maximum 2 times a week with fresh and clean tubifex. The food has to be diversified. In aquariums they also eat dry food as flakes. Another important factor is the temperature. You mustn`t keep them at more than 19-20° C and for reproduction only 20° C.