黑莲灯 · Black Neon Tetra

Overview

Black neon tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) combine contrasting lateral bands with a peaceful disposition. Commercial breeding is well established. Keep a mixed-sex group of at least eight to ten so their schooling behavior can develop naturally.

Distribution & habitat

The main range lies in Brazil's upper Paraguai drainage, extending north and south of the Pantanal through Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Similar fish reported from the upper Guaporé near the Bolivian border suggest a wider range, but their identification remains uncertain. Introduced populations also occur in Minas Gerais.

Habitats include headwaters, small tributaries, oxbows, and seasonal floodplains. Some collection sites are narrow flowing streams with clear or lightly brown water and dense bank vegetation; clear, plant-rich wetland waters are also occupied.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint of about 80 × 30 cm or larger. Sand, branching wood, and roots work well, as does a densely planted aquarium. Dried leaves add shelter and support microorganisms that supply supplementary food for adults and fry.

Diet & feeding

The natural diet probably mixes small invertebrates and crustaceans with algae and fallen fruit. Aquarium fish accept dried food, but benefit from varied offerings of appropriately sized live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and water fleas.

Behaviour & compatibility

Choose peaceful fishes of comparable size, small catfishes, or small to medium cichlids that will not hunt their companions. A substantial group and other calm schooling fishes help these tetras feel secure.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are slightly larger and conspicuously fuller and deeper in body than males.

Breeding

Eggs are scattered without subsequent care. Well-conditioned adults may spawn repeatedly, and a mature aquarium occasionally produces surviving fry. A separate, dim breeding setup offers better control: use mature water, gentle aeration, and mesh, marbles, fine plants, or spawning mops to keep eggs beyond adult reach.

Slightly acidic to neutral water and temperatures near the warmer end of the suitable range are recommended for breeding. Introduce a pair or one or two males with several females; eggs are often found the following morning. Start fry on infusoria or very fine prepared food, then offer brine shrimp nauplii and microworms as their mouths develop.

Notes

An albino ornamental form is also bred. Historical groups based on stripe patterns should not be treated as proof of close evolutionary relationships.