Characins - Part 4 of 9
American Tetras
American Tetras
Virtually everyone has seen a representative of the American Tetra family. Arguably the most popular are the colorful Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) or their brighter cousins the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheiron axelrodi). But they are by no means the only fish in the sea ... or should we say the South American jungle? American Tetras are one of the staples of home aquarists.
Most species of this family are small, prefer to live in schools, and require soft water similar to that of their native waters. Clean, well oxygenated water is critical for success with American tetras. Ideally the aquarium that is to be home to a school of tetras should already be completely cycled before they are introduced. Some species such as the Rummy nose (Hemigrammus blehri) and Cardinal tetras are so sensitive to water quality, that they must only be placed in well matured and stable aquariums. Particular care should be paid to the pH of the water. It should match very closely to that of the pet shop where they are purchased, or the fish may be lost within the first 24 to 48 hours. If specially conditioned water is used at the pet shop, it may be considerably lower in pH than most city tap water, which often measures about 8.0.
American Tetras are generally good additions to community tanks, as long as their tankmates are not large aggressive fish who are looking for fresh sushi for dinner. They are not demanding when it comes to food, and will accept flake, frozen, freeze dried, or fresh foods. They feed quickly, and consume their fill within a few minutes. If food is present after five minutes, that is an indication that you are overfeeding. Frequent small feedings are recommended rather than large feedings.
Breeding of many American Tetras species is easier than one might think. The key factors are water quality, and conditioning a well chosen breeding pair. Water should be very soft, with a low pH. This can best be achieved using peat to both soften the water and lower the pH. Breeding pairs should be fed live foods such as brine shrimp, to condition them for breeding. Like all tetras, American Tetras are egglayers, and will not raise their young - in fact they will eat them if left in the same tank with the fry.
Characin features coming up ...
Hachetfish
Headstanders
Pencilfish
Pacus and Silver Dollars
Piranhas
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American Tetra Links |
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Paracheirodon innesi (P) - Neon Tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi (P) - Bloodfin Tetra Astyanax fasciatus (P) - Blind Cave Fish Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (P) - Black Widow Tetra Hasemania nana (P) - Silver-Tipped Tetra Hemigrammus bleheri (P) - Rummy Nose Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma (P) - Bleeding Heart Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (P) - Black Neon Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma (P) - Lemon Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus (P) - Red Phantom Nematobrycon palmeri (P) - Emperor Tetra Thayeria obliqua (P) - Penguin Tetra |
* Art and photos are the property of Shirlie Sharpe. If you use them please write for permission.
Characins - Part 2
Characins - Part 3
