Can the Cardinal Tetra Save the Rainforest?

Aquarists tend to be conscientious of their choices in freshwater fish species. No one would host a high-maintenence miniature ecosystem in their home without having adequate respect for the creatures in their care. One way that aquarists may choose to demonstrate their admiration for their fish is by choosing the cardinal tetra. The purchase of these brightly colored fish may help to protect its natural home.

The cardinal tetra is closely related to the neon tetra and nearly identical, but it is much less common in the aquarium trade. The reason for this is that neon tetras breed very eagerly in captivity, whereas cardinal tetras are prolific only in the wild, and are reluctant to breed except under ideal conditions in a captive environment.

Because of this, almost all cardinal tetras available on the market today are wild-caught. Although wild-caught fish species are frowned upon by many conscientious aquarists, the neon tetra is one that actually benefits the environment.

Although resistant to breeding efforts when held captive, cardinal tetras reproduce very readily in the wild, and they are in no way threatened in their native habitats, the upper Orinoco River and Negro River of South America.

Many of the people native to and living in these areas of Amazon rainforest have been able to make a fairly good income capturing and selling these fish. Not only does this help to bring jobs to an impoverished region, but it also protects the rainforest because the fish can be collected without the people having to resort to deforestation or unsustainable agriculture.

These environmentally friendly options for freshwater aquaria are a breath of fresh air for the Amazon rainforest, and they actually help to protect this charming, beautiful species. Because of this, many aquarists are choosing cardinal tetras over their close relatives, neon tetras.

There are other benefits to choosing cardinal tetras over neon tetras, as well. As a result of long-term inbreeding as a result of profit-driven mass marketing, neon tetras are now somewhat sickly, often living only a few months except in very well-kept aquaria. The cardinal tetra, because it has not been overbred or inbred, has none of the weaknesses associated with being overly domesticated.

Aquarists, Brazilian natives, and cardinal tetras alike can benefit from the sale of these beautiful wild-caught fish. In addition, nearly every other creature living in the fertile forests of the Amazon river basin might be protected with the continued purchase of these creatures.

Although slightly more expensive than their neon tetra cousins, cardinal tetras provide an invaluable service to the planet and our society, and they also tend to be healthy and long-lived in a well-kept aquarium. Aquarists should consider purchasing cardinal tetras if they are interested in conscientious fishkeeping.

Types of Neon Tetra

Tetras are small, colorful, social fish native to the tropical fresh waters of South America and Central America. The neon tetra, one of the world's most popular fish for the home aquarium, is a brightly-colored characin that thrives in community tanks. Only one species, Paracheirodon innesi, is correctly known as the neon tetra. However, other iridescent species share a similar name.

The types of neon tetra that dominate the aquarium hobby share a remarkable trait. Each species has contrasting stripes of bright color on each side of its body. This remarkably attractive adaptation enables tetras to find one another in the "tea-stained" blackwater regions of the Amazon river system.

The following species and varieties of fish are commonly identified as neon tetras:

True Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi (wild type)

The "true" neon tetra has an electric-blue back and a silver-white abdomen. A bright-red stripe extends from its tail fin to its anal fin. Captive neon tetras are widely bred for the home aquarium market, and most of the captive strains resemble their wild ancestors.

However, several ornamental strains of true neon tetra exist, and all of them will interbreed and shoal with one another. Captive-bred strains of true neon tetra include the following:

Longfin Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi (captive variety)

This captive-bred strain of neon tetra closely resembles its wild counterpart, but its colors are more subdued and its fins are significantly longer. The elongated fins tend to hinder the fish's natural schooling behavior.

Diamond Head Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi (captive variety)

The diamond-head neon tetra looks very similar to the wild type of the species, but it has a bright, metallic diamond-shape between its head and dorsal fin.

Albino Neon Tetra Paracheirodon innesi (captive variety)

This golden-white mutation has been selectively bred in recent years. Albino neon tetras do not have blue or white stripes like the wild-type of the species. Instead, they have a yellowish, pearlescent hue.

Other species may also be called "neon tetras", including the following:

Red Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi

The red neon tetra, also known as the cardinal tetra, is very similar to the true neon tetra, but it comprises a separate species. In fact, red neon tetras are the only other species that will eagerly school with P. innensi. Its red stripe extends all the way to its head, instead of stopping at the anal fin. Conscientious fishkeepers may prefer this species because it helps to save the rainforest by providing sustainable income to the people in its native range.

Green Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans

This type of neon tetra is closely related to P. innesi and P. axelrodi, but it is far less popular than the other species. The green neon tetra has a red patch like the true neon tetra, but the patch is smaller and less pronounced. The iridescent stripe on its back is a flashy blue-green. Green neon tetras are slightly smaller than similar species.

Gold Neon Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus

Because it breeds readily in captive environments, the gold neon tetra (or glowlight tetra) is extremely popular in home aquariums. This small, social fish is similar in size and appearance to the true neon tetra, but its stripe is iridescent gold instead of red or blue. It will not generally school with other species, but it can accentuate the colors of other types of neon tetra. This name may also refer to a selectively bred albino strain of P. innesi.

Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

As its name suggests, the black neon tetra has a deep, black stripe across its side. Unlike other types of neon tetra, it lacks any bright or iridescent colors. Instead, this species' "neon" name refers to a band of shiny silver-white that contrasts sharply with its dark stripe. The black neon tetra bears little resemblance to P. innesi, and the two species are only distantly related.

Black Phantom Tetra Fact Sheet

As a long-term fishkeeper, I have always had a fondness for tetras. For years, I stayed away from black phantom tetras because they seemed uninteractive and dull, but I eventually realized thay they are surprisingly social and fun to watch when they are kept in good conditions. Like other tetras, black phantom tetras will only show their true colors-- literally and metaphorically-- when they are happy.

If you're interested in keeping black phantom tetras, consider these facts.

Adult Size

A healthy black phantom tetra may grow to about two inches in length.

Tank Size

Keep black phantom tetras in a 10-gallon tank or larger. Smaller tanks do not provide acceptable water quality for these relatively temperamental fish. They may hide in very large tanks exceeding 55 gallons.

Social Behavior

Black phantom tetras will only thrive when they are kept in shoaling groups. When kept in groups of 8 or more, they establish a pecking order and leave other aquarium inhabitants alone. They may become aggressive or sluggish if they are kept in excessively small groups.

Tank Mates

The black phantom tetra combines well with other tetra species of similar size. Neon tetras, pristella tetras and rummy-nose tetras get along with black phantom tetras and do not compete for space.

Life Span

Black phantom tetras live 2-5 years. Poor water quality, disease and predation may contribute to a tetra's premature demise.

Diet

These eager eaters will consume flake, frozen or live food. Feed a varied diet including a high-quality flake food, along with high-protein treats like bloodworm.

Breeding

The black phantom tetra is extremely difficult to breed. The female scatters her eggs and the fry are very sensitive to poor water quality. Males become aggressive and more colorful when they are interested in mating.

Water Parameters

Black phantom tetras tolerate only a very narrow pH range, between 6.5-7. The water should have no detectable ammonia and nitrate levels below 15 ppm.

Temperature

The black phantom tetra's natural range is tropical, but not excessively hot. They prefer a temperature of 71-78 degrees.

Variations

Breeders have successfully created long-finned strains of black phantom tetra.

Pristella Tetra Fact Sheet

As an aquarist, I've always been fond of the small, peaceful tetra species. Recently, I've fallen in love with the pristella tetra, also known as the X-ray tetra. This tiny freshwater fish is hardy and peaceful. Though not as brightly colored as some other tetra species, the pristella is quick, active and beautiful in its simplicity.

Here is some information you may need to know before keeping pristella tetras.

Adult Size

Pristella tetras can grow to up to two inches, but some stay as small as one inch.

Tank Size

An advanced aquarist may be able to keep a healthy school of pristella tetras in a 5-gallon tank, provided it is well-filtered. Twenty gallons is a bare minimum for beginners; this allows fluctuations in water quality without significantly compromising the fish's health.

Social Behavior

Like most tetras, pristellas are very social. In order to thrive, pristella tetras must live in groups of five or more. Ten and over is ideal

Tank Mates

Pristellas are non-aggressive and live well in community tanks. Avoid keeping them with large, predator species; their small size makes them easy prey.

Life Span

A pristella tetra may live to be five years old, though many die prematurely.

Diet

The pristella tetra is a true omnivore; feed it omnivore flakes as a staple. They will also eat live plants, frozen food and live daphnia.

Breeding

Pristella tetras won't usually breed by "accident", but you may get lucky. Females are a bit rounder than males and scatter eggs on plants.

Water Parameters

Keep pristella tetras in soft, slightly acidic waters; a pH of 6-8 is best. Nitrates should be below 20 ppm and ammonia should be undetectable.

Temperature

Pristella tetras can tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures, but thrive between 75-82 degrees. A heater is a must-have unless they are kept in a consistently warm room.

Variations

Some fish stores sell an albino pristella tetra, which might be sold as a "golden x-ray fish".

10 Facts About Black Skirt Tetras

The black skirt tetra is a very popular fish for home freshwater aquariums. I have had the honor of keeping these beauties in my own tanks, but I was dissuaded from serious interest in the species by its uninteresting adult coloration.

Nevertheless, the black skirt tetra is a fascinating species, and its undemanding nature makes it ideal for beginning aquarium enthusiasts.

Know these ten interesting facts about the black skirt tetra.

1. The black skirt tetra is a member of the characin family, which also includes the piranha and the neon tetra.

2. Black skirt tetras are omnivores, but they prefer meaty foods as a staple. In the wild, they eat insects, crustaceans and worms. They usually accept flake food.

3. Adult black skirt tetras lose their juvenile coloration. After about one to two years of age, they lose their characteristic "skirt".

4. Female black skirt tetras are usually larger than males and have a wider anal fin. Otherwise, there are no obvious differences between male and female black skirt tetras.

5. A black skirt tetra has an average life expectancy of 3-5 years in captivity, but its life expectancy is much shorter in poorly-kept tanks.

6. Angelfish and bettas are incompatible with black skirt tetras; the tetras will eagerly nip th efins of slow-moving tankmates.

7. Black skirt tetras are sometimes confused with black phatom tetras, which are a completely distinct species.

8. Other names for the black skirt tetra include the black widow tetra, blackskirt, blackamoor, petticoat tetra or butterfly tetra.

9. In general, these frisky fish will breed in captivity. However, adult males often eat their own eggs.

10. As a schooling fish, black skirt tetras should be kept in groups of 3 or more at all times. They may become more aggressive if they are kept in social isolation.

Rummynose Tetra Fact Sheet

The rummy-nose tetra fish, so named for its bright-red facial markings, can thrive in a beginner's fish tank. Rummy-nose tetras are hardy and forgiving of inconsistent water parameters, and they can do well in surprisingly small tanks. Know these important facts about rummy-nose tetras if you are interested in keeping tese beautiful fish in your own home aquarium.

Adult Size

When it reaches its adult size, a rummy-nose tetra may be nearly two inches long. Others never exceed one inch.

Minimum Tank Size

Provide your school of rummy-nose tetra fish with at least 10 gallons of fresh, clean water. Larger tanks are better.

Strata

The rummy-nose tetra inhabits the middle regions of the fish tank.

Water pH

Keep your rummy-nose tetra fish in slightly acidic water between 5.0 and 6.5.

Water Parameters

To thrive, rummy-nose tetras should be kept in a tank with undetectable ammonia levels and nitrates below 30 ppm.

Temperature

The rummy-nose tetra is a tropical species. Keept your temperature between 73-85 degrees.

Set-Up

Arrange your tank in dark colors to enhance your rummy-nose tetra's appearance. Plants are ideal.

Social Behavior

Like most tetras, rummy-nose tetras are a schooling species. Keep them in groups of six or more.

Feeding

A rummy-nose tetra will gladly accept most kinds of fine-grain foods, including flake and freeze-dried staples. Live and frozen food can be an acceptable treat.

Hatchetfish Fact Sheet

The hatchetfish is an unusual-loooking tetra originating in the still, shaded waters of northern South America. Its exotic appearance makes it a popular choice among aquarists seeking interesting occupants for a home aquarium. Although relatively easy to care for, the hatchetfish will look better and live longer if it is kept according to its own specific needs. Learn about hatchetfish care before purchasing one of these freshwater oddities.

Size

Adult hatchetfish will grow to roughly one and a half inches in length.

Tank Size

Keep your hatchetfish in at least a ten gallon tank. Bigger is always better, particularly if you are new to fishkeeping.

Strata

The hatchetfish generally lives and eats in the upper quadrant of the aquarium.

Water pH

Hatchetfish enjoy any pH between 5 and 7.5.

Water Parameters

Keep your nitrate levels below 20 ppm when caring for hatchetfish. Ammonia and nitrite levels should be as low as possible.

Temperature

Hatchetfish are a tropical species and require a heater. Do not allow your water temperature to drop below 80 degrees; they can tolerate water as hot as 88 degrees.

Tank Set-Up

Provide floating plants for your hatchetfish, and keep your water level at least four inches below the cover. Hatchetfish will jump to their death if given the opportunity.

Social Behavior

Keep your hatchetfish in groups of four or more.

Feeding

Hatchetfish are insectivores; they enjoy adult insects and mosquito larvae. Freeze-dried insects can be acceptable if your fish will eat them.

Splash Tetra Flash Sheet

The splash tetra is a peaceful, long-finned fish prized for its elongated fins and beautiful coloration. These small, rosy fish originate in the densely planted streams of Guyana and thrive in a home aquarium. If you are considering splash tetras for your own home aquarium, educate yourself about splash tetra care. With proper care, these fish will display dazzling colors and entertaining behavior.

Size

Adult splash tetras rarely exceed three inches in total length. They are a slim species.

Tank Size

Keep your pet splash tetra fish in at least a 10 gallon aquarium. A 20 gallon tank is better, and a large shoal requires 29 gallons or more.

Water pH

Splash tetras do best at a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Water Parameters

Keep splash tetras in an established aquarium with nitrate levels below 30 and ammonia levels as low as possible.

Temperature

As a tropical species, the splash tetra will do best in a warm tank. The temperature should remain between 75 and 85 degrees to accommodate the needs of the species.

Set-Up

Maintain dense vegetation, with both floating and benthic plants. As the name suggests, the splash tetra is a jumper. Keep a tight-fitting cover on the tank.

Schooling Behavior

Like most other characins, the splash tetra is an schooling species. Keep it in pairs, or in groups of eight or more, at all times.

Feeding

Splash tetras will eagerly accept flake food, but they should be given small live and frozen food about once a week.

Varieties

There are no well-established domesticated forms of the splash tetra, but some have been selectively bred to have slightly longer fins or more vivid coloration.

Flame Tetra Fact Sheet

Known for its beautiful rosy hue and lively schooling behavior, the flame tetra is a perfect freshwater fish for beginning aquarists. They are hardy and undemanding, capable of tolerating surprisingly poor water quality. Whether you are new to the hobby or a seasoned fishkeeper, consider maintaining flame tetras in your own fish tank. Know these important guidelines for flame tetra care, and consult an expert at your local fish store if you have any questions about the species.

Adult Fish Size

Your adult flame tetra will grow to one to one and a half inches in total length.

Minimum Tank Size

As a small, undemanding species, the flame tetra can thrive in smallish tanks. Keep it in a five gallon aquarium or larger.

Strata

Flame tetras inhabit the middle quadrants of the aquarium.

Water pH

A school of flame tetras will thrive at any pH between 6 and 7.5.

Water Parameters

Flame tetras can survive in waters with relatively high nitrate levels; some may tolerate up to 50 ppm. Try to maintain nitrate, nitrite and ammonia levels as low as possible.

Temperature

As a subtropical species, the flame tetra does best in moderately warm waters between 72 and 81 degrees.

Set-Up

Arrange your tank in dark colors to bring out the flame tetra's truest beauty. It should be densely planted and include copious amounts of java moss and java fern.

Social Behavior

The flame tetra is a peaceful, social species. They prefer to live in shoals of five or more individuals. They are not territorial or aggressive.

Feeding

Flame tetras accept almost any kind of food, although it must be small enough to fit inside this small fish's petite mouth. Fine-grade flakes are an acceptable staple. Consider also giving tubifex or bloodworms

Special Notes

The flame tetra is endangered in some regions of its native habitat. All flame tetras in captivity are bred captively for the aquarium industry, and fishkeepers can help to support the species by engaging in captive breeding.