Neon iris fish: breeding, feeding and compatibility

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Recently, neon iris has become one of the most popular aquarium fish. The right lighting allows this aquatic creature to burst into vibrant blues and blues. It is for the sake of such an unusual effect that many aquarists give birth to neon rainbows. Under natural conditions, these fish inhabit the waters of the Mamberamo River, which is located in Indonesia and communicates with the Pacific Ocean. Neon iris were brought to Europe only in the 1990s, after which they became frequent inhabitants of home aquariums. The size of the fish in such conditions reaches about five centimeters.

Description of the neon iris

This fish has a small flattened head and fairly large eyes. On her back there is a characteristic high hump, which is more pronounced in males. The dorsal and anal fins are usually paired. In females, a full abdomen can be observed, while in males it is flattened on both sides. The neon iris fish practically does not stand out in its color, since there is no color on its body.there are no streaks or spots. However, upon close acquaintance, the true beauty of this underwater inhabitant is revealed: when light hits, each scale explodes with bright colors, and the dark edging further enhances this radiant effect. During the movement, the body of the fish then goes out, then flashes again, only the yellowish-red fins remain unchanged.

It should be noted that neither the time of day, nor the spawning period, nor the emotional state of the fish affects the brightness of the color. The neon iris, for all its unpretentious appearance, is very attractive. She spends most of her time in the middle water layers, does not nibble on plants and does not dig in the ground, which makes her maintenance very simple and unpretentious.

Regulations for keeping neon rainbows

For a comfortable life of fish, it is recommended to choose an aquarium at least 45 centimeters long, since neon rainbows prefer to swim horizontally. Water should be defended first, as too hard water can cause a deterioration in the well-being of the fish, and even their death. The temperature in the aquarium should be around 24 degrees, although in nature the neon iris can withstand higher temperatures, but it is still better to avoid such unfavorable conditions.

It should be noted that this fish is very calm and peaceful. It looks most impressive in an aquarium with dark fine soil and densely planted with various plants, among which it is necessary to build a semblance of islands for freer swimming. To the choiceunderwater flora there are no special requirements. In addition, the neon iris is easily susceptible to bacterial diseases, so it is imperative to comply with quarantine measures, for example, timely remove the fungal plaque that appears on the head of the fish with methylene blue with the addition of s alt.

Fish farming

The stage of puberty neon iris reaches at the age of 8-9 months. For breeding fish, you should purchase a separate small aquarium, the water level in which should not exceed 35 centimeters. Small-leaved plants are placed in the container, and they also provide uninterrupted illumination and aeration. Manufacturers choose the most well-fed and brightly colored fish of both sexes. Until spawning, they should be kept separate and fed heavily, changing the water frequently and raising its temperature to 28 degrees.

After transplanting the fish into the spawning ground, active spawning continues for up to three days, after which the production of offspring is not so intense. At a time, the female is able to sweep up to 500-600 eggs, which have a sticky thread and settle on the leaves of plants. After spawning, the parents are returned to a large aquarium, and the dead eggs, which have become white, are removed. In a week, the first larvae should appear, and after another couple of days, fry are formed from them, which should be fed with ciliates and crustaceans. The fry of the neon iris acquire their unusual neon colors in a month and a half.

Fry food

Forfeeding offspring appeared fit:

• brine shrimp;
• microworms;
• egg yolk;
• microencapsulated feed;
• lyophilized liver;
• cut enchitreya;
• pipemaker.

Feeding adults

The neon iris, whose photos cannot fully convey all the sophistication and beauty of this fish, is quite unpretentious in nutrition. She perceives dry, frozen and live food well, and also likes to eat small bloodworms, insects, tubifex and various crustaceans. It should be noted that it is dangerous to give fish dry food often, as this can provoke serious diseases that eventually lead to death.

Compatibility with other fish

Neon iris get along well with many other aquarium fish. They do not offend or persecute anyone, but it is still advisable to refrain from being close to very small individuals in order to prevent them from being eaten. For iris, a company of such aquarium fish as barbs, angelfish, catfish, discus, betta and gourami is perfect. The life expectancy of neon rainbows at home can reach five years, which is a lot for such an inhabitant of the water element.