El chinese neon, whose scientific name is Tanichthys albonubes, is a true gem for aquarium enthusiasts. Although its colorfulness may make many think of a tropical fish, it's one of the hardiest and most versatile freshwater species, perfect for cold or temperate water aquariums. In this definitive guide, we teach you everything you need to know to care for, feed, breed, and maintain this species in optimal conditions, integrating absolutely all relevant information about its biology, environment, compatibility, and well-being.
Origin, history and scientific name of Chinese neon
El chinese neon It originates from streams and springs on White Cloud Mountain in Guangdong Province, China, although natural populations also exist on Hainan Island and in certain areas of Vietnam. Its scientific name, Tanichthys albonubes, is a tribute to Tan, the young scout who discovered it, and to the white clouds ("albonubes") of his hometown. It is also known as cold water neon, White Mountain Neon o white cloud mountain minnow English.
Historically, this species experienced a dramatic decline in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation, even being listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List for periods. Currently, thanks to captive breeding programs and the introduction of populations into new habitats, its situation has improved, but it is still considered vulnerable in some areas.
Morphology and varieties of Chinese neon
El Tanichthys albonubes It is a small cyprinid, reaching a maximum measurement of 4 centimeters in adulthood, although they generally measure around 3 cm. It has an elongated and slender body, with colors that vary between olive brown and bronze, a light belly and an iridescent horizontal line of neon blue or turquoise hue from the eye to the base of the caudal fin. Its dorsal and anal fins are usually divided between reddish, yellow or white edges, and the caudal fin has a characteristic red spot at the base.
Through selective breeding, there are several domestic varieties:
- Common Chinese neon: the original wild variety.
- Golden Chinese Neon: with gold or pale yellow coloration.
- Long-finned Chinese neon: with noticeably extended fins, highly appreciated in aquariophily.
- Chinese albino neon: Less common, it has a pale pink body and red eyes.
These varieties maintain the hardiness and peaceful nature of the original.
Behavior, sociability and compatibility
El chinese neon is a gregarious fish, so it is essential to keep it in groups. A minimum of 6-8 copies to ensure their well-being and avoid stress. Left alone, their behavior becomes erratic and they can easily become ill.
This is an active, lively, and peaceful species that swims primarily in the middle and upper areas of the aquarium. Interaction between males, although sometimes involving fin displays, never usually results in aggression. A school of Chinese neon fish provides one of the most attractive visual spectacles in aquaristics.
With regards to compatibility With other species, they can coexist perfectly with other small and calm fish from cold or temperate water, such as:
- Zebra danios
- Pink barb (in large aquariums)
- Corydoras paleatus or aeneus
- Some warm water killis
- otocinclus
- Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) and aquarium snails (Planorbis, Melanoides, Neritina)
It's best to avoid large, territorial, or aggressive fish. For example, it's not recommended to keep them with goldfish or carassius that are much larger than them, as they might view them as prey.
As for invertebrates, large shrimp usually do well, but shrimp fry could be preyed upon by larger neonates. For very slow-moving bottom-dwelling species, it's important to ensure all fish have access to food to avoid food competition.
Ideal aquarium conditions for Chinese neon
One of the biggest attractions of chinese neon is its great adaptability to different water conditions. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures, from 14 to 24 ºC, although there are reports of survival with temperatures as low as 5-10 ºC. The preferred and safest range is between 16 and 22 ° CIn home aquariums, it is preferable to keep them within this range to avoid imbalances.
Regarding pH, they adapt without problems between 6 and 8, although the ideal is to keep them slightly acidic or neutral (6.5-7.5). The hardness (GH) should be 5 to 20 dGH and the carbonate hardness (KH) 4 to 10 dKH. Always keep nitrites and ammonia at 0 ppm, and nitrates below 40 ppm.
Minimum aquarium size: A tank of at least 120 liters is recommended. 40-50 liters for a group of 6-8 specimens, always prioritizing horizontal length and swimming space.
Recommended aquarium setup
- Dark substrate: highlights the colors of Chinese neon and gives them greater security.
- abundant vegetationEssential for fish to feel protected, shelter, and reproduce. Java moss, anubias, Java ferns, or floating plants are excellent options.
- Decoration: Rocks, submerged branches, and caves provide hiding and resting areas, always ensuring they have no sharp edges.
- efficient filtration: essential for maintaining good water quality. The current should not be strong; a sponge filter is an excellent choice.
- Moderate lighting: sufficient for live plants, but without stressing the fish.
- Water renewal: Perform partial changes of 20 to 30% of the volume every week or every two weeks, using dechlorinated water at the same temperature.
Feeding the Chinese neonate: a complete and varied diet
Chinese neon is omnivore, which allows it to accept a wide variety of foods. Its diet should be varied to maintain its health and enhance its color. It is primarily offered quality powdered flakes or microgranules specifically for small omnivorous fish. Supplement with:
- Live food: daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, microworms and grindal, ideal for strengthening your immune system and stimulating reproduction.
- Frozen food: brine shrimp, tubifex (in moderation and from reliable sources) and daphnia.
- Freeze-dried food: quick alternative when there is no access to live or frozen food.
- Vegetables: Occasionally, small amounts of spinach or peeled peas, blanched and finely chopped.
It is recommended to feed the chinese neon Once or twice a day, in an amount they can consume in 2-3 minutes. A weekly fasting day helps improve digestive transit. It's important not to overfeed to avoid contamination from debris in the aquarium.
Differences between male and female (sexual dimorphism)
El sexual dimorphism In the Chinese neon, it's subtle. Males tend to be slimmer, smaller, and display more intense colors, especially during courtship. Females, on the other hand, have a more rounded body, larger abdomen, and slightly duller coloration. At reproductive maturity, the difference becomes more noticeable, as egg-laden females may display a swollen belly.
Reproducing Chinese Neon: Preparation, Process, and Care
The reproduction of Tanichthys albonubes It's relatively easy and quite rewarding. They reach sexual maturity between six months and one year of age. To improve the chances of success, it's advisable to condition the broodstock with a protein-rich diet (live or frozen foods) for one or two weeks before spawning, and to use a separate breeding tank.
- Breeding aquarium size: 10-20 liters are enough.
- Water: similar in parameters to the main tank, if possible with a temperature in the upper range (20-22 ºC) to stimulate spawning.
- Spawning substrate: marbles, large stones, mesh or a dense clump of Java moss or acrylic wool mops to protect the eggs from adults, who tend to eat them.
- Filtration: A sponge filter is ideal to prevent suction of eggs or fry.
For spawning, place one or two males and one or two females. procession It involves displays and gentle chases. The female scatters several dozen to hundreds of sticky eggs among vegetation or the substrate. It is essential to remove the adults after laying to prevent cannibalism of eggs and young.
The eggs hatch In 36 to 72 hours, depending on the temperature. The fry remain immobile and feed from their yolk sac for 2-3 days. Once they are free-swimming, offer them infusoria, rotifers, liquid fry food, and after a few days, brine shrimp nauplii and microworms. Growth is rapid, and within a few weeks they begin to show adult coloration.
Perform frequent, small water changes (10-15% every 1-2 days) and ensure stable parameters. Fry reach full independence within two days of hatching and can survive without parental assistance or risk if kept in a secure breeding tank.
Natural habits and behavior in the aquarium
In their natural environment, these fish live in shallow springs and streams, with clean waters rich in vegetationThey prefer well-lit areas with plenty of shelter among the plants, where they feel protected from predators. In the aquarium, they spend most of their time swimming in groups, exploring their surroundings and searching for food.
They are schooling fish, so solitude or small groups can make them vulnerable to stress and disease. In groups, their behavior is more natural, confident, and active, displaying their best colors and great vitality.
- Choose a suitable tank: minimum 40-50 liters for an initial group, provided that the length allows horizontal swimming.
- Cover the bottom with fine sand or soft gravel: better if it is dark, to maximize color contrast.
- Plant the aquarium with dense vegetation and open areas: Java moss, anubias, ferns and floating plants provide shelter and simulate the natural habitat.
- Includes submerged stones and logs: to provide hiding places and resting areas.
- Filters and oxygenates the water: with sponge filters or soft flow backpack filters.
- Maintain soft to moderate lighting: enough for the plants without stressing the fish.
- Monitor the parameters and perform periodic water changes: to ensure the health of the school.
Optimal parameters and technical sheet
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Minimum aquarium size | 40-50 liters for 6-8 fish |
| Temperature | 14-24 ºC (ideal: 16-22 ºC) |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5 – 20 dGH |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 4 – 10 dKH |
| Nitrites and Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrates | < 40 ppm (better < 20 ppm) |
| Water renewal | 20-30% weekly |
Health and common diseases in Chinese neon
El chinese neon is famous for its endurance, but it is not without health problems. Stress It is the main trigger of ailments, and is usually caused by inadequate parameters, sudden changes, overpopulation or coexistence with incompatible fish.
The most common diseases are:
- White point (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): small white spots, common in times of stress or temperature changes.
- Columnaris (cottonmouth): cottony lesions in mouth and fins, requires antibiotics.
- Fin rot: fraying and loss of fabric, often due to poor water quality.
- Internal and external parasites: less common, but possible in aquariums without proper quarantine.
La prevention This involves maintaining water quality, avoiding stress (maintaining the school, avoiding overpopulation and sudden changes), and quarantining new inhabitants. At the slightest sign of illness, separate the affected specimen and begin specific treatment, maintaining a stable temperature and clean water.
Compatibility and recommended fish to live with
El chinese neon It is the perfect companion in cold or temperate water community aquariums. Among the most compatible species are:
- Danio rerio (Zebra)
- Pink beard (in large tanks)
- Corydoras (paleatus, aeneus) (require fresh water)
- otocinclus
- Temperate water killifish
- Neocaridina shrimp y Neritina snails, Planorbis
Avoid mixing with aggressive, large animals, or those with extremely different temperature requirements. If they live with faster or more voracious fish, make sure they can all feed adequately.
Is it possible to keep Chinese neon lights in outdoor ponds?
In temperate climates, the Chinese neon lights They can live in outdoor ponds for most of the year, as long as the water doesn't freeze solid or exceed 28°C in summer. A densely planted pond offers protection from predators and direct sunlight.
Special care for beginner aquarists
- Ideal for beginners: Its robustness and adaptability allow you to learn aquaristics without great risks.
- Easy maintenance: No heater or sophisticated equipment is required; regular water changes and monitoring of basic parameters are all that's required.
- Ease of reproduction: If the aquarium is well planted and the parameters are adequate, spontaneous spawning may occur.
- Great ornamental value: A school of Chinese neon lights adds color and vibrancy to any freshwater aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Neon (Tanichthys albonubes)
- How long does Chinese neon live? They live between 3 and 5 years with good care, although they can exceed this range in very stable aquariums.
- Do you need a heater? Generally, no. It's only necessary if the ambient temperature drops below 14°C on a sustained basis.
- Can they live with goldfish? Only with small specimens or Asian varieties that are not predators.
- How many copies are recommended? Ideally, keep between 6 and 10, although the school can be larger if the aquarium allows.
- What do fry eat? In the early stages, infusoria and liquid foods; later, microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp.
- Is it possible to differentiate the male from the female with the naked eye? As adults, females are somewhat more rounded and males have more vivid colors and longer fins.
- Can they live alone? No, they should live in groups to avoid stress and ensure natural behaviors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Breeding Chinese Neon
- Keep fish alone or in small groups: leads to stress and reduced life expectancy.
- Combine with incompatible species: Large, territorial, or aggressive fish may attack or stress the school.
- Subjecting them to sudden changes: whether in temperature, pH or water composition.
- Neglecting a varied diet: limits its growth and coloration.
- Do not remove adults after spawning: They will eat the eggs and the young.
Curiosities and other names for Chinese neon
Chinese neon is known as the “Poor Man’s Neon” due to its low cost and easy maintenance compared to tropical South American neons, such as Paracheirodon innesiIt should not be confused with the neon tetra, as they have different requirements and origins. Furthermore, thanks to its hardiness, it has become an "institutional fish" in educational and social aquaristics, being the first for many hobbyists in the world of home aquariums.
An aquarium inhabited by a school of Chinese neon lights is a natural spectacle that combines dynamism, color, and harmony. By providing them with a natural environment, a varied diet, and suitable companionship, you'll enjoy one of the most beautiful, long-lived, and easy-to-maintain fish.
