Among all the variety of aquarium cichlids, the neon nannacara occupies a special place. This fish attracts attention not so much with its bright colors as with its refined, almost metallic beauty. Its scales shimmer with bluish-silver hues, and its calm disposition makes it a desirable inhabitant of many home aquariums.
The origin of this cichlid is still shrouded in mystery. It is not known for certain whether it is a natural form or the result of many years of selection. This mystery only adds to its charm, transforming it from a simply beautiful fish into an object of keen interest for aquarists.
Despite its “mysterious” past, the neon nannacara is a very real and unpretentious pet. It exhibits interesting behavior, gets along with its neighbors, and does not require overly complex care. Let's get to know this amazing fish better.
Origin, selection
Nannacara neon blue (Nannacara neon, Nannacara blue neon, Nannacara electric) is an artificial species, the result of selective breeding. The first mentions of neon blue cichlids on the internet date back to 2012, and the neon Nannacara has been mentioned in open databases since 2014. The natural origin of the species is a myth; electric fish do not occur in nature.
The origin of the neon nannacara is a mystery. The most plausible version is that it was bred by a breeding company in Southeast Asia.
The three main versions of its origin are:
- Neon Nannacara is a hybrid of the bluish-spotted Arowana and other Arowana species (hence the claim that Nannacara is Arowana, not Nannacara).
- Nannacara blue neon is a hybrid of two species: Nannacara anomalus and Acara turquoise (with possible subsequent crossbreeding with other Acara species).
- Electrics are typical nannacara bred by crossing and selecting different species of the nannacara genus (based on nannacara anomalus).
The first version was put forward and is supported by a large aquarium fish supplier. The second version is confirmed by the successful crossbreeding of neon blue with various acaras and some nannacara, resulting in healthy and fertile offspring. The third assumption recently (in 2022) appeared after successful selection based on several species of nannacara, resulting in blue-colored cichlids (it has not yet been possible to fix the color characteristics).
Appearance, dimorphism
Some specimens of neon nannacara can grow up to 15-17 cm, but the average size in a species aquarium is 8-10 cm (females) and 10-12 cm (males).
The characteristic color of the electric cichlid is bluish with a silvery pearlescent sheen. The blue tint is often more pronounced in males than in females.
All fins of the neon nannacara are bright blue. The dorsal fin extends along the entire body, from the end of the head to the tail. In males, the fin is pointed, with a dark (sometimes reddish-yellow) border on the edges of the rays. The dorsal fin of females is rounded, less brightly colored, and sometimes translucent between the rays.
The body of the neon blue is typical for cichlids. The dense, massive body is flattened on the sides. The large eyes are located at the top of the head, which is blue in color with a small number of scales on the back.
Sexual dimorphism is expressed in body size, color intensity, and dorsal fin shape.
Females are characterized by:
- Smaller in size,
- The rear part of the dorsal fin is rounded.
- Less bright in color of the body and fins.
Care. Aquarium and diet
The standard option is a pair of neon blues of different sexes. The volume of the aquarium for a pair of individuals should be at least 100 liters.
Electricians need enough free space. It is better to plant plants along the sides and rear of the aquarium. Any vegetation is suitable — neon cichlids practically do not damage aquatic plants.
It is important not to plant anything in their permanent habitat — during the spawning season, neon nannacara are capable of digging up anything that interferes with reproduction.
The neon nannacara is a typical American cichlid. Water parameters must be appropriate:
Water change — 20% per week. Powerful aeration and filtration are required. Strong currents should not be created. Lighting — dim and diffused (10-12 hours per day).
It is best to choose sand with a grain size of 2-4 mm as the substrate. A small amount of marble chips, small pebbles, and gravel is also acceptable. The substrate should be at least 4-5 cm thick. It is recommended to place coconut shells, small pots, and ceramic shards on the bottom, which are necessary for cichlids during spawning. Neon blue will also like several crevices or grottoes formed from stones.
Neon electric cichlids are omnivorous. Ready-made dry food can be alternated with live and frozen food. Dry food for cichlids is well suited as a staple. Spirulina and carotenoid supplements should not be forgotten.
Feeding — 2-3 times a day.
Neon blues will enjoy the following natural products:
Reproduction and breeding
Neon nannacara become sexually mature at 7-9 months of age. To stimulate spawning, you can increase the temperature by 3-4 degrees and change 20-25% of the water every 2 days. Neon blue successfully reproduce in species and community aquariums.
The female lays her eggs on a plant leaf or on the bottom (in a crevice, pottery shard, or pot). The average number of eggs is 150-200. After 2-3 days, the female transfers the eggs to a specially prepared burrow in the ground. After another 3-4 days, the fry emerge from the eggs.
The female usually takes care of the eggs and fry. Sometimes both parents look after their offspring, preventing the fry from scattering and chasing away other fish species. Sometimes the male completely displaces the female and performs all protective duties himself.
Young fish should be fed special food for fry. After 1.5-2 months, the fry can be transferred to crushed food for adult fish.
— Alexey Podolsky, Kazan, 4 years of experience in aquascaping
Subspecies and varieties
The neon tetra has no subspecies or color morphs.
Different color saturation and variations in shades of blue are determined by the composition of the water and the fish's diet.
Nannacara neon is a bright cichlid with a bluish-silver sheen that attracts attention with its beauty and mysterious origin. It is still unclear whether this is a natural species or the result of selective breeding, but it feels great in aquariums, especially under the right conditions and with the right neighbors. It is not too aggressive, swims actively, develops character over time, and may even allow its owner to approach it. If you want an unusual but unpretentious fish with a “twist,” the neon nannacara can be an excellent choice.
Compatibility and coexistence
The neon nannacara is one of the most peaceful cichlids.
Neon blue gets along easily with any relatively peaceful species of similar size:
Alexandra Shabanova
St. Petersburg, over 7 years of experience in aquarium keeping
Small fish species (tetras, neons, cardinals, rasboras) can be added to electricians only if there is sufficient volume and a clear division of the aquarium into zones. During the spawning period, neon blue can seriously damage any careless or overly curious small fish.
— Alexandra Shabanova, St. Petersburg, over 7 years of experience in aquarium keeping
More care tips:
Advice for owners
Keeping shrimp and snails in the same aquarium as Nannacara neon is strictly prohibited. Invertebrates will become prey and food for neon blue.- Neon blue fry do not tolerate fresh water well. Water for replacement should be settled for at least 5 days. It is also advisable to use an airlift filter for the first two months after the fry appear.
- Electricians are sensitive to nitrogen compounds. It is advisable to reduce the levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites in the water to zero. The same applies to phosphates.
Video review of neon nanocara
The neon tetras are truly special fish. They are like small precious stones in an aquarium, attracting attention with their soft, iridescent glow. Their unpretentiousness and sociable nature make them an excellent choice for those who want to get their first cichlid or add bright colors to their aquarium.
Despite the controversy surrounding its origin, this mystery only adds to the fish's charm. By raising nannacara, we become part of its history. It teaches us that you don't have to be big and aggressive to be interesting. Sometimes it's enough to just shine beautifully and be a peaceful neighbor.
If you are looking for a calm but impressive cichlid with character, take a look at the neon nannacara. With good care, it will delight you for a long time with its presence, demonstrating all the beauty of the underwater world in miniature. This is a case where modest size and temperament in no way detract from the merits of this beautiful fish.
