Breeding Black Neon Tetra
How to breed Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, an egg-scattering tetra: sexing, conditioning, breeding setup, water parameters, egg care and fry rearing.
Overview
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi is an egg-scattering tetra with no parental care. In an established aquarium small numbers of fry may appear spontaneously, but a dedicated breeding setup gives much better results. Breeding difficulty is rated intermediate.
Sexing
Sexually mature females are noticeably deeper-bodied and a little larger than males.
Conditioning the Breeders
Condition the adult group together in the main tank before transferring selected fish to the breeding setup.
Breeding Setup
- Smaller tank with very dim lighting and an air-powered sponge filter or air stone
- A mesh base, plastic grass matting, glass marbles, fine-leaved plants (Taxiphyllum) or spawning mops so eggs fall away from the adults
- Water pH slightly acidic to neutral
- Temperature toward the upper end of the range (around 28 C preferred)
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Introduce one pair, or one to two males with several females. Eggs typically appear the following morning.
Egg & Fry Care
Remove the adults after spawning. First foods are Paramecium or a 5-50 micron proprietary dry food, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworms once the fry are large enough to accept them.
Common Challenges
As with other small characins, the tiny first-feeding fry need infusoria-grade foods, and the adults will consume eggs if not removed, so dim light and a protected egg-collection medium are important.