Paracheirodon

Neon Fish

Paracheirodon ( Gr., " para" = next; Cheirodon ) is a native to the northern tropical South America genus of freshwater fish from the family of the Real tetras. The genus belong to the Neon Fish ( Paracheirodon innesi ), the Blue Neon ( Paracheirodon simulans ) and the cardinal tetra ( Paracheirodon axelrodi ). It thus represents some of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish at all.

Features

Paracheirodon species are 3.5 to 5 inches long. They have a spindle-shaped, laterally flattened body and are easily distinguished by the characteristic green to blue iridescent neon rope from other Salmlerarten. The back is olive-brown to red-brown, the belly dyed more or less red. The typical tetras adipose fin is present.

Species

• Red Neon ( Paracheirodon axelrodi ) ( Schultz, 1956)
• Neon Fish ( Paracheirodon innesi ) ( Myers, 1936)
• Blue Neon ( Paracheirodon simulans ) ( Gery, 1963)