The Albino Gold Neon Tetra is a beautiful and relatively uncommon color variation of the popular Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi). It combines the classic streamlined body shape of the Neon Tetra with a striking combination of golden or yellowish-white coloration and the characteristic iridescent blue or white stripe.
Key Features:
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Appearance:
- Body Color: Instead of the typical silver or bluish body, Albino Gold Neon Tetras exhibit a golden, creamy yellow, or even a translucent white base color. The intensity of the gold or yellow can vary between individuals.
- Stripe: The defining iridescent stripe along the lateral line is still present but appears as a bright white or a very pale blue, creating a lovely contrast against the golden body.
- Eyes: Being albino, they have red or pink eyes, which is a key characteristic of albinism in fish.
- Fins: The fins are typically clear or may have a slight yellowish tint.
- Temperament: Like standard Neon Tetras, Albino Gold Neons are peaceful, schooling fish. They are best kept in groups of at least six or more to feel secure and display their natural behaviors.
- Size: They remain small, typically reaching a maximum size of around 2-2.5 cm (0.8-1 inch).
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Tank Requirements:
- A tank of at least40 liters (10 gallons) is recommended for a small school. Larger tanks are always better to provide more swimming space and stability.
- They prefer a well-planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water and subdued lighting. Dark substrate can help their colors show better.
- Gentle filtration is ideal as they are not strong swimmers.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic is preferred)
- Hardness: 5-12 dGH (soft to slightly hard)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm (maintain through regular water changes)
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Diet: They areomnivores and will accept small, high-quality flake or pellet food. Supplement their diet with small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms to enhance their color and health.
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Compatibility: They are compatible with other small, peaceful fish that prefer similar water conditions, such as other small tetras, rasboras, small gouramis, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with larger or more aggressive fish that might prey on them or intimidate them.
Things to Consider:
- Sensitivity: Albino fish can sometimes be more sensitive to bright light due to the lack of pigmentation in their eyes. Providing ample shaded areas with plants or driftwood is beneficial.
- Availability: Albino Gold Neon Tetras might be less commonly available than the standard Neon Tetra.
- Schooling Behavior: Observing a healthy school of Albino Gold Neon Tetras with their shimmering white stripes against their golden bodies is a truly captivating sight in a planted aquarium.
