Albino Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) Breeding Guide

The albino is a selectively bred form of Paracheirodon innesi; spawning needs very dim, soft, acidic water with light-sensitive eggs that hatch in 24-36 hours.

Overview

The albino neon is a selectively bred colour form of Paracheirodon innesi, a small characid from the Amazon basin tributaries of western Brazil, eastern Peru and southeastern Colombia, reaching 20-30 mm per FishBase. Breeding follows the standard neon tetra protocol documented by Seriously Fish; the reduced pigment of the albino does not change the spawning method, although light-sensitive eggs make a dark tank especially important.

Sexing

According to Seriously Fish, sexually mature females are normally noticeably rounder-bodied and a little larger than males. Conditioned, egg-laden females are the easiest to identify.

Conditioning

Condition fish with plenty of small live foods, keeping the sexes in separate groups or using a tank divider. FishBase records general care parameters of 21-25 C, pH 4.0-7.5 and hardness 18-215 ppm; spawning targets the soft, acidic end of that range.

Breeding Setup

Seriously Fish specifies a very dimly lit spawning tank with fine-leaved plants such as java moss or spawning mops, or a mesh base that lets eggs fall through but keeps adults away. Recommended spawning water is pH 5.5-6.5, gH 1-5 at 80-84 F.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Fish can be spawned in groups of six of each sex, but pairs are more productive. The fattest female and best-coloured male are transferred to the spawning tank in the evening, and spawning typically follows the next morning.

Egg & Fry Care

Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and fry become free-swimming 3-4 days later. The eggs and fry are light-sensitive in the early stages, so the tank should be kept dark if possible. Initial fry food is infusoria-type foods, progressing to microworm or brine shrimp nauplii.