Neon Tetra - Albino - Paracheirodon innesi var. "Albino" : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
The Albino Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a favourite among aquarists of all levels of experience, capturing attention with its unique colouration. Adorned with iridescent blue and red stripes that gleam brilliantly under appropriate lighting, their albino variant adds a unique touch to any aquarium. Beyond their eye-catching appearance, Albino Neon Tetras are robust and affordable, making them a perfect fit for those new to aquarium keeping.
These fish are social by nature and thrive best in groups of six or more. However, for an optimal display of their natural behaviour, larger groups of eight to twelve are recommended. Watching these active creatures in a large shoal, with their dazzling blue and red stripes contrasting against their white bodies, is a truly spectacular sight. Keeping Albino Neon Tetras alone can lead to stress and increased vulnerability to diseases.
In selecting tank mates for Albino Neon Tetras, it's essential to choose non-aggressive species of similar size. Other Tetra species can make for an attractive, diverse community aquarium. They can also cohabitate with a range of other fish species, so long as there are no larger or aggressive fish that might harass or prey on them. Albino Neon Tetras typically populate the middle to lower levels of a community aquarium, actively exploring their environment. They often form shoals with Cardinal Tetras, their close relatives. A shoal of Albino Neon Tetras not only beautifies the aquarium but also fosters a healthier, more harmonious environment for these intriguing fish.
To fully enjoy Albino Neon Tetras, it's recommended to mimic their natural Amazonian habitat in the aquarium setup. Dense vegetation provides cover and comfort, reminiscent of their native lush surroundings. Driftwood roots and branches contribute to this environment, forming a natural backdrop for these radiant fish. For an even more authentic aesthetic, consider adding dried leaf litter into the substrate for additional hiding places. A dim lighting setup is best to emulate the dappled sunlight of their natural habitat, but sturdy aquatic plants that thrive under these conditions can also be incorporated. Floating plants add extra cover and help create a more immersive environment for your Albino Neon Tetras.
Albino Neon Tetras are distinguished by their slender, torpedo-like bodies. Each side showcases a radiant blue stripe that extends horizontally from the nose to the adipose fin and a red stripe that starts mid-body and runs to the base of the caudal fin. Aside from these stripes, their fins and bodies are translucent white, adding to their unique appeal.
Interestingly, Albino Neon Tetras' bright blue and red stripes transition to shades of grey or black as they rest at night. This change in colour is a response to lighting conditions, with the stripe appearing blue-green in a light-adapted state and turning to indigo when dark-adapted. This occurs due to guanine crystals in their cells reflecting light, resulting in a stunning colour display.
Aquarists have several distinct Albino variants of Neon Tetras to choose from. The semi-albino Golden strain features a remarkable gold-coloured body, while the Long-finned Albino Neon Tetra boasts elongated fins. The Diamond Albino Neon Tetra, characterized by metallic scales that shimmer on the upper part of its body, offers a touch of sparkle to its overall appearance.
Neon Tetra - Albino Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexing Albino Neon Tetras can be somewhat difficult, as this species doesn't exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism. However, there are minor differences that can assist in identifying males and females. The female Albino Neon Tetra typically has a more substantial and rounder belly.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon innesi var. "Albino" |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1936 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Paracheirodon |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| ℉ | 68 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Albino Neon Tetras, while sharing their roots with traditional Neon Tetras, are not widely found in the wild and are a result of human cultivation. The original Neon Tetras hail from the tropical regions of Northern South America, specifically Western Brazil, Southeastern Colombia, and Eastern Peru. Wild Neon Tetras inhabit the tributaries of the Amazon Rivers Tiger, Yarapa, and Napo.
In their natural surroundings, Neon Tetras can be discovered in both blackwater and clearwater streams, favouring soft, acidic water with a thick spread of vegetation and roots. These serene settings provide the ideal conditions for these striking fish to thrive amid the abundant vegetation and tranquil, transparent waters.
Mimicking this perfect environment for Albino Neon Tetras in your home aquarium does take some effort, but the resulting spectacle is well worth the endeavour. With their exceptional colouration and lively behaviour, Albino Neon Tetras make a fantastic contribution to any aquatic community. So why not dive into the enchanting world of Northern South America's aquatic life and explore the wonders of Albino Neon Tetras for yourself?
Breeding
Breeding Albino Neon Tetras can be an intriguing and rewarding endeavour for aquarium enthusiasts. The breeding process necessitates meticulous attention to water parameters and the setup of a designated breeding tank with specific conditions. Start by establishing a breeding tank with soft lighting, efficient filtration, and an abundance of live plants. Consider increasing the water temperature slightly to encourage spawning. Offering the tetras live foods before the spawning phase is also beneficial.
When Albino Neon Tetras are primed for spawning, the male will encircle the female, resulting in the female releasing approximately 100 transparent and mildly adhesive eggs. These eggs will attach to the nearby plants. Following the completion of egg-laying, it's recommended to remove the parent fish to avoid them eating the eggs.
Keeping the lighting low is crucial as the eggs and ensuing fry are light-sensitive. After a 24-hour period, the eggs will hatch into minuscule offspring that will nourish themselves from their egg sac for several days. Within a span of three to four days, the fry will start swimming freely, at which point you can commence feeding them suitable food.
Breeding Albino Neon Tetras demands a keen eye for detail, but the satisfaction of witnessing the emergence of tiny, new lives in your tank is truly gratifying.
Diet & Feeding
Maintaining a varied diet is essential for the well-being of Albino Neon Tetras, and luckily, these fish are not picky eaters. Feeding them high-quality flakes and granules as a staple diet, supplemented with live and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, is suggested to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Micropellet food can also be a beneficial addition to their diet. Opt for tropical sinking pellets that include natural colour enhancers, as these can help accentuate the distinct hues of Albino Neon Tetras.
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