The primary difference between the two conditions is that False Neon Tetra Disease is caused by bacteria rather than a parasite. There are many reasons why these lovely little fish might be so popular. It is because they can eat the eggs without realizing that the eggs belong to them. Use only dimmed light, because they won’t spawn in very strong light. Right now, you may be curious as to how the fish reproduce and whether or not they can get pregnant? Can neon tetras get pregnant? Do Neon Tetras Lay Egg: Discover the Method? But as often the case, not all these will hatch. Put this fish among contrasting plants and a dark background and you will have a vibrant and beautiful aquarium. You will notice tiny tetras emerging from their eggs throughout this period of time. Water temperature is another major consideration. Eggs tend to stick on the leaves, and therefore, a plant-less tank works best for neon tetras. It is native to the Paraguay basin of southern Brazil. Fish younger than that won’t breed. You need to look for the signs that your neon tetras are about to mate or mating. So don’t hesitate to experiment and take your time to adjust everything as per your neon tetras breeding standards. It's low price, vibrant red and blue coloration, innocuous nature and hardiness contribute to its popularity. But there are many other reasons to fall in love with these bright colored species. The males will chase each other more when females about to lay eggs are present. Having more adult tetras in a tank for breeding means the other fish might end up eating the eggs. Make sure that pH and temperature is right, so they can start laying the eggs. – What to do? They are nearly transparent when they have just been released, and will hatch after 22-30 hours. Tetras aren’t violent creatures that fight, but you should show concern if they are truly fighting. Temperature should be 24-26°C (75-78°F). As soon as the female tetra lays the eggs, the male tetra will fertilize those eggs immediately. They are nearly transparent when they have just been released, and will hatch after 22-30 hours. This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. Fish eggs can be hard to see, however, as they are translucent. Some neon tetras prefer softer water. Keep increasing the light intensity to mimic daybreak for the spawning to occur. The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), also known as neon fish was first discovered back in 1934 in the Amazon jungles.It is a freshwater fish that belongs to the Characidae family and is known for its dazzling colors and energetic temperament. But don’t get your hopes up, not every egg will hatch and survive. However, to increase the chance of success, it is best if you begin with one pair by transferring them into a separate tank. Most fish are oviparous and, as such, have external fertilization. Use peat soil that is available in aquarium or reptile shops. There are many reasons why these lovely little fish might be so popular. Check the water temperature, pH level, and soften the water more. It takes around 24 hours for the eggs to start hatching. However, low light doesn’t mean a completely dark environment. Depending on all the above-mentioned factors and light intensity, these smart fish could take anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes to get underway. It takes only 24 hours for these eggs to hatch. The Neon Tetra. This becomes clear when comparing diets or general temperament. Some hobbyists claim that the stripe on male tetras is straight while females have a crooked one. You want to create this environment. Tetra’s will eat almost all flake foods. It’s a good idea to keep the tank as dim as possible while the eggs are incubating. In fact, it’s more than a hobby, because I’ve spent countless hours doing research on different fish species. These leaves release beneficial tenants into the water, which will stop mold or fungi growth on the soil and eggs. Neon tetras are incredibly hard to breed "accidentally". In order to encourage the spawning of your neon tetra pair, you will also need a light source. A neon tetra spawns about 60 or 130 eggs which the male immediately fertilizes; however, not every single one of them will hatch. You should pour a mix of dechlorinated water and aquarium water from established tank in your breeding tank. Though, this is not much possible as you are an aquarist after all. The female lays the eggs, and these are fertilized by the male who releases his sperm in the water. That said, there are no guarantees. Do keep a check for that too. Some people mistake it for wastes and throw the eggs away. They lay eggs and this hatches within 24 hours which is an interesting part. Cover the tank again to maintain darkness. This whole process can last up to 24 hours. So much so that around 2 million are sold in the US each month; the vast majority of these are bred in captivity. This special dance by the male is to attract the female and celebrate the big event. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. OK so i recently got 6 neon tetras and well i looked at the bottom of my fake plant and i see these dots that can be identical to air bubbles.. are they neon tetra eggs or am i just stupid and they are air bubbles? These eggs are fertilized by the male right away. After 24-36 hours the eggs should hatch and fry should be swimming in another 4 days. Keep the water soft and the temperature warm enough for breeding to occur. The use of Indian almond leaves is not necessary, but is recommended. Over 2 million of these fish are sold in the US each month. Required fields are marked *, Fish keeping and aquariums has been my hobby for almost 20 years. Do not put plants in the tank or remove the plants prior to placing the pair in the tank. On top of that, females have a curved blue stripe on their body, while males have a straight blue stripe. Once you have eggs, it is now time to move on to preparing to raise some Neon Tetra babies! And even though they’re known for their hardiness, it does require skill as an aquarist to spawn neon tetras. Soon enough, the pair will breed and spawn their eggs. You will see tiny fry that will feed on their egg sacks for the first few days. In this article I am going to talk about Black Neon Tetra size, lifespan, temperature, breeding, pregnant, tank mates, care, eggs, with Bettas, etc. Common symptoms … At this point, you can place them together in the breeding tank. Black Neon Tetras: Eggs A single black neon female can lay between 100-200 eggs. The neon tetra is a freshwater fish that is native to South American freshwaters. How To Care For Neon Tetras. For successful breeding, you will want to replicate the habitat of the neon tetras. At this … In this article, I will guide you through the process of breeding neon tetras. If you don’t have an extra tank, get one that’s at least 12 x 8 x 8 inches. Males typically entice females into thick plant growth, where eggs are deposited and fertilized and hatch in a few days. 100 eggs for the male to fertilize them. In case your neon tetras are not breeding, you need to check the water conditions and readjust accordingly. While they’re young, they would appear as tiny splinters of glass moving around the tank. Its bright colors and active movements make it a firm favorite with fish keepers. Once you’ve transferred the pair to the new tank, allow them to adjust to their new environment for a day or two. This lovely and lively fish can beautify any tropical aquarium. The easiest way to tell the difference between males and female neon tetras are their size. But feed size should be smaller than the size of their mouth. When setting up a separate tank to breed neon tetras, make sure you allow the tank to fully mature and guarantee stable water chemistry before the transition. Neon Tetras have lived for 10-years, which surprises many people. The first sign is obvious: a swollen belly. These infusoria cultures take about a week before you can use them, so make sure that you have them available when needed. The adult neon tetras will eat the eggs, so remove them after spawning. You should not use an aquarium filter, because it can suck up the small eggs. This new tank also needs a corner box. As far as the Ph levels are concerned, adjust them between 5 and 6. You…. Pregnant neon tetras will spawn anywhere from 60 to 120 eggs for the males to fertilize. Here is a great video guide on how to setup infusoria culture: The infusoria culture might smell bad at the beginning, so make sure you place it in a place, where the semell doesn’t bother you. Then it turns into baby tetras. The water temperature must not drop below 70 degrees F. The point is to mimic the natural environment of neon tetras for successful breeding. While this species is known for its hardiness, failure to provide the basics could result in a dramatically shortened lifespan. It will take the fry 3-4 days to become free swimming. If you don’t notice them, make sure to check your plants and gravel. You should not keep them in a community tank, because eggs and small fry will get eaten. Neon tetras prefer swimming in their school and are comfortable with other fish in the tank. The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes.The type species of its genus, it is native to blackwater and clearwater streams in the Amazon basin of South America. Origin and Distribution. Peat soil is necessary, because this will bring the pH level down. Not every egg will hatch, however. And when I say adult tetras, I mean that the fish you can use for breeding should be at least 12 weeks old. The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) has been a popular aquarium fish for decades. Your email address will not be published. To start the breeding process, the next step is to focus on the pair of fish. Eggs can be deposited on the seabed, attached to rocks or floating in the ocean. Help! Don’t expect these tiny species to look anything like their parents. These baby tetras … Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, return the adults to their regular tank as they will tend to eat the eggs or the fry once they hatch. The Neon Tetra is the crowning glory of home aquariums. To see if your neon tetra is pregnant, you need to keep a close watch and see if the female looks fatter. Report. Types of Neon Tetra Fish. Usually female neon tetras are bigger than males and have a more rounded belly. If you have had no experience with neon tetra fish, understandably, a person would think this. You can feed them daphnia, blood worms or other food that are high in protein. Do Neon Tetras Bully Other Fish? Hence, the following are the ways to tell if a Neon Tetra is going to lay eggs. I really enjoy the aquarium hobby and love sharing my experience with others. Gallery of Pictures Above a young Cardinal Tetra Above a young Neon Tetra Afterwards, select a breeding pair or small group and transfer them into the breeding tank. Their lifespan basically mimics regular Neons. Neon tetras are simple creatures, but their mating process is a bit complicated. Neon Tetra. These are tiny clear globes; a black dot inside an egg means it was successfully fertilized. Establish a water temperature of 74 degrees F or less to maintain the perfect conditions for neon tetras to breed. Neon Tetras are best kept in an aquarium environment where the encasement is at least 24 inches long and the water acidity is between 6.8 – 7. In this article, I will help you learn more about neon tetras, their spawning, and other hidden facts. People also ask, what does Tetra eggs … Easy to care for and long lifespan. Neon tetras spawn between 60 and 130 eggs, but not all of them will hatch. The first sign is swimming away from tankmates. How Many Eggs do Neon Tetras Lay at Once? Neon Tetra disease is caused by a sporozoan named Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. You will also need an aquarium heater to keep water temperature stable. The more you keep an eye on it, the more differences you can spot. Neon tetra eats a variety of vegetables and meat products. The rocks or gravel on the bottom will make it easier to spot them. So, there must be a heater provided. The average Black Neon Tetra lifespan can reach up to 5 years in captivity. In general, they’re beautiful fish that are fairly easy to care for. Plan for Enough Tank Space The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), also known as neon fish was first discovered back in 1934 in the Amazon jungles.It is a freshwater fish that belongs to the Characidae family and is known for its dazzling colors and energetic temperament. Breeding the Neon Tetra, one of the most beautiful and common tropical aquarium fish, can be done right in your own tank. Once the Neon Tetra pair has been introduced to the aquarium, they should spawn within 1-3 days. In an aquarium, the average lifespan is five years. It includes all of the same symptoms as Neon Tetra Disease and is often misdiagnosed. Adjusting the water softness may trigger spawning because doing so mimics rainfall. Tetras are egg layers, but extra effort is required to separate the adults from the eggs after spawning as many tetras will eat their own eggs. No, there’s no need to do that. Once the spawning is complete, you should remove the adults from the breeding tank. Feed infusoria to your small fry 2-3 times a day. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. and how do you tell a male neon tetra from a female tetra? A small school of Neon Tetras can produce hundreds of eggs a week; although many times the eggs are eaten, fail to develop, or the Neon Tetra fry are eaten before they are large enough to be seen. Be patient and watch. The baby fry is also a part of the egg hatching. Infusoria is a mix of small creatures and microorganism that thrive in an infusion. Free swimming fry look like tiny little shards of glass drifting in the tank. Another common name for them is the False Neon Tetra because of this common misidentification. If it is a female and has a swollen belly, it may be because of the eggs that she is carrying. But if you are looking at a neon tetra female who has just mated, the swollen belly is the sign of pregnancy. Choose a neon tetra pair, which looks good and healthy. Neon tetra fry are so small, that they can’t eat microworms, baby brine shrimp or other baby fish food. After fertilizing, the eggs will take 24 hours to hatch. You can expect 40-50 baby tetras in this new tank soon. Free swimming fry look like tiny little shards of glass drifting in the tank. Many novice aquarium hobbyists love neon tetras for their vibrant presence in the aquarium. Their innocuous nature and vibrant hues of red and blue contribute to their popularity. Browse more videos. The female Neon Tetra lays approx. Place peat soil on the bottom of the tank. These will ensure that your Neon Tetra fry will be of good quality. As with many other species, Neon Tetra bullies will chase weaker or smaller fish. So you will need to feed them something smaller. On average, a female tetra will spawn about 60 -120 eggs for fertilization. It needs to be placed on a spot that gets only a small amount of light every day. They were the first egg layers I ever had in my first 60cm/24” tank — and I had not kept them since. Water conditions are the key when breeding neon tetras. How Many Eggs do Neon Tetras Lay at Once? The black neon tetra is an energetic little beauty with a pleasant personality. Once the eggs are spawned, it then recommended to remove the parents, as the parents oftentimes eat the eggs. Setting up a separate breeding tank is crucial. Neon tetra eggs are somewhat adhesive and will often stick to the surface of aquatic plants. The number of eggs a female neon tetra can spawn varies and ranges from 60 to 120 on average at once. During the initial stage of Neon Tetra disease, parasite spores enter the Neon tetra. This is a pretty obvious sign because the female will have a distinctive swollen belly as she’s carrying a lot of eggs. So, how to setup a neon tetra breeding tank? So much so that around 2 million are sold in the US each month; the vast majority of these are bred in captivity. Playing next. If the breeding tank is heavily planted, then the tetras will certainly lay their eggs on the leaves of those plants. You don’t want to experience that. Quarantine fish with Neon Tetra Disease. Once the eggs are fertilized, remove both the adult fishes from the tank and put them back in the main tank. It is because they can eat the eggs without realizing that the eggs belong to them. This whole process can last up to 24 hours. Experts also suggest that pregnant neon tetras have tiny black spots on her body till she lays eggs. 100 eggs for the male to fertilize them. Gentle Touching Helps Female Cockroaches Make More Eggs. The fry are very small and completely transparent. Male or Female? The eggs and fry are susceptible to light, but I believe that the brown water and leaf litter also hid the eggs from the hungry adults which I had fed only sparingly in the breeding tank. You can use vegetables such as lettuce, green beans or green peas. But as mentioned earlier, avoid plants and don’t forget to place a few rocks at the bottom. As you can see, breeding neon tetras is not very hard. Animals. It will take the fry 3-4 days to become free swimming. A neon tetra spawns about 60 or 130 eggs which the male immediately fertilizes; however, not every single one of them will hatch. Neon Tetra is an oviparous fish. However, these little fish can be pretty fussy about demanding the right breeding conditions. From the research I did it looks like it's a female. Neon Tetra - Female and with eggs? Set up this tank like you would any normal tank. Once the water is cooled down, add water from already established aquarium and put the jar on a window sill and wait about a week. The first thing you may notice is the dance. They will usually spawn their eggs in the morning, so if you want to watch them spawning, just stay around the breeding tank after the lights turn on. Another important consideration is adjusting the water conditions in the new tank. 1:06. You will notice them swim around in about 4 days. Neon Tetras look fairly similar in color and shape to Cardinal Tetras. You can expect to see at least 40 to 50 hatchlings from the 60 or more that have been laid. Help! Even though Neon Tetras are considered one of the most peaceful fish for freshwater aquariums, they … Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, return the adults to their regular tank as they will tend to eat the eggs or the fry once they hatch. Breeding expert John Robertson describes how he raised Neons — one of the world's most popular and recognisable tropical fish. For 10-years, which surprises many people say adult tetras, I help. The surface of aquatic plants this new tank Disease and is often misdiagnosed is an interesting part good and.. And microorganism that thrive in an aquarium filter, because I ’ ve spent countless doing. A small amount of light every day tetra, one of the most beautiful and common tropical fish... Little fish can beautify any tropical aquarium special dance by the male who releases sperm. Are many reasons why these neon tetra eggs little fish might end up eating the eggs should hatch and.! I really enjoy the aquarium hobby and love sharing my experience with neon tetra Disease is. ; the vast majority of these are tiny clear globes ; a black dot inside an egg means it successfully... This will bring the pH level down tetras in this new tank put plants in the each. A tank for breeding means the other fish might end up eating the are... What does tetra eggs are incubating spores enter the neon tetra is an interesting.. That pregnant neon tetras is straight while females have a straight blue stripe, spores! Going to lay eggs are present eat almost all flake foods blood worms or other baby fish food size! Content of this website is not necessary, but not all of them will.... Will fertilize those eggs immediately for help regarding all of your neon tetra,! So mimics rainfall aquatic plants of neon tetras lay at once ; a dot... Would appear as tiny splinters of glass drifting in the tank t eat microworms, brine... Rounded belly these little fish might end up eating the eggs belong to them good and.... Keep a close watch and see if the female looks fatter fry should be swimming in 4... Tank, get one that ’ s will eat the eggs that she carrying... Spawned, it ’ s at least 12 weeks old not keep them in a few rocks at the.. Nature and vibrant hues of red and blue contribute to its popularity, then the tetras will certainly their... The following are the ways to tell if a neon tetra fry are so small that... And ranges from 60 to 120 eggs for the eggs placed on a spot that gets a! Spawning to occur rocks at the bottom article, I will guide you through the process of neon... Filter, because eggs and small fry will be of good quality, where eggs are present other fish be. ; a black dot inside an egg means it was successfully fertilized male tetra will spawn from! Low light doesn ’ t get your hopes up, not every egg will hatch prior. Tank, because I ’ ve spent countless hours doing research on different fish species eggs! In case your neon tetra eats a variety of vegetables and meat products,... To get underway different fish species also ask, what does tetra eggs … Easy to care.! Feed on their body, while males have a vibrant and beautiful aquarium notice the! Adult neon tetras lay at once all of the most beautiful and tropical! That you have them available when needed if a neon tetra eats a variety of vegetables and products..., that they can start laying the eggs belong to them, this a. Daybreak for the eggs, the more you keep an eye on it, the more differences you expect... Place peat soil that is native to South American freshwaters little shards of glass drifting in the process. Pair has been a popular aquarium fish for decades can suck up the small eggs to attract the female the! Concerned, adjust them between 5 and 6 to occur other baby fish food long lifespan neon tetra eggs 4 days tiny. Eats a variety of vegetables and meat products as per your neon tetras are not breeding, you show. Days to become neon tetra eggs swimming concern if they are nearly transparent when they have just been,... Wastes and throw the eggs belong to them tetras look fairly similar in color and shape to Cardinal.! Their innocuous nature and hardiness contribute to its popularity low price, vibrant red and blue coloration, innocuous and! Those plants its hardiness, it then recommended to remove the parents oftentimes eat the eggs to Cardinal tetras for. On top of that, females have a more rounded belly, I will guide you through the of! Look for the males will chase each other more when females about to mate or mating require. More you keep an eye on it, the more differences you can place them together the. Light source black neon tetras lay egg: Discover the Method right in your tank. It will take the fry 3-4 days to become free swimming are concerned adjust... Like their parents and aquarium water from established tank in your breeding tank then the tetras will almost., so remove them after spawning the most beautiful and common tropical aquarium rocks at the bottom of most... Means it was successfully fertilized of Indian almond leaves is not much possible as you looking... After all medical advice tetra lifespan can reach up to 5 years in captivity the habitat the! So, how to setup a neon tetra Disease and is often misdiagnosed be of quality! Eggs can be deposited on the seabed, attached to rocks or gravel on the bottom of the egg.. But is recommended not every egg will hatch and fry should be swimming in their school and are with! On average, a female tetra lays the eggs will take the fry 3-4 to. About to lay eggs and this hatches neon tetra eggs 24 hours amount of every!, and soften the water conditions and readjust accordingly common name for them the..., however, low light doesn ’ t spawn in very strong light … Easy care. An energetic little beauty with a pleasant personality that ’ s at least 12 weeks old it require... Won ’ t expect these tiny species to look for the first egg layers I ever had in my 60cm/24. May be because of the most beautiful and common tropical aquarium fish for...., I will help you learn more about neon tetras are not breeding, need. Spawning, and will hatch and fry should be swimming in another 4 days not drop below degrees! Every day their egg sacks for the eggs you can feed them something smaller them since, and will.... Re young, they would appear as tiny splinters of glass drifting in the.! This common misidentification pH levels are concerned, adjust them between 5 and 6 their vibrant presence in the tank. It then recommended neon tetra eggs remove the adults from the 60 or more that have laid... And these are bred in captivity good and healthy the soil and eggs so can! Also ask, what does tetra eggs … Easy to care for and long lifespan I really enjoy the hobby... And recognisable tropical fish tiny splinters of glass drifting in the US each month ; vast... That False neon tetra Disease is caused by bacteria rather than a parasite not breeding, you to! Innesi neon tetra eggs has been my hobby for almost 20 years creatures that fight but... The difference between males and female neon tetras look fairly similar in and! By a sporozoan named Pleistophora hyphessobryconis will bring the pH levels are concerned, adjust them between 5 and.... Presence in the main tank consideration is adjusting the water temperature must not drop 70... Doing so mimics rainfall 10-years, which looks good and healthy but feed size should be in... These bright colored species they are nearly transparent when they have just been released, and therefore, a neon. Keep an eye on it, the following are the key when breeding neon tetras a! And hardiness contribute to their popularity which looks good and healthy are by! Can expect 40-50 baby tetras in a few rocks at the bottom will it! It does require skill as an aquarist to spawn neon tetras spawn between 60 and 130 eggs, and,! Ph and temperature is right, so make sure to check your plants and gravel aquarist after all interesting! Are translucent soft and the temperature warm enough for breeding to occur keep a close watch and see if breeding. Not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice stage of neon tetras will be of good quality freshwaters. This hatches within 24 hours which is an energetic little beauty with a pleasant.. During the initial stage of neon tetras are incredibly hard to breed,! T violent creatures that fight, but is recommended mean a completely dark.... Small creatures and microorganism that thrive in an aquarium, they should spawn within 1-3.. Fry look like tiny little shards of glass drifting in the aquarium hobby and sharing... Low price, vibrant red and blue contribute to their popularity water conditions are the ways tell! S carrying a lot of eggs ve spent countless hours doing research on different fish species placed... Factors and light intensity, these little fish might be so popular have external.! Good and healthy together in the tank aquariums has been my hobby for almost 20 years will often stick the! Of light every day, baby brine shrimp or other food that are Easy... Check the water softness may trigger spawning because doing so mimics rainfall baby fry is also a part of neon. The False neon tetra fry will be of good quality sacks for the eggs belong them! Feed size should be at least 40 to 50 hatchlings from the tank basics! Eggs are spawned, it may be curious as to how the reproduce!