lautnusantara.com Neon fish (Paracheirodon innesi) are one of the world's most popular freshwater aquarium inhabitants. Despite their small size, these fish possess an unmatched charm thanks to the metallic blue-green stripes that glow along their bodies, seemingly emitting light from within. This unique feature has earned them the nickname "natural neon lights" in the water.

A. Why Do Fish Glow?

This bioluminescence is more than just a light show; it's a clever and versatile survival tool. Some of the main reasons why fish glow are:

• Hunting Prey: Fish like Anglerfish use their light like a "fishing lure" to lure prey closer in complete darkness. This flashing light attracts small fish or crustaceans, which are then promptly caught.
• Evading Predators: Other fish, like Flashlight Fish, use flashing lights to confuse predators. By rapidly flashing their light on and off, they create an illusion and disappear into the darkness.
• Communicating: Some fish species use distinctive light patterns to communicate with each other. This can be used to attract mates during mating season or to identify members of their group.
• Camouflage (Counter-Illumination): In the mesopelagic zone (the twilight zone), fish glowing from below can be visible to predators below. To counteract this, some fish have photophores on their bellies that emit light at the same intensity as the light from the surface, making them nearly invisible.

B. Color-Changing Neon Stripes

     he colors of neon fish are not actually the result of ordinary pigments, but rather special structures in their skin called iridophores. These cells reflect light, and the intensity of their glow can change depending on the viewing angle, lighting, or even the fish's mood. When these fish are stressed or resting in the dark, their neon stripes will appear duller. This is a natural mechanism for camouflaging themselves from predators in their natural habitat.

C. Active Social Life

     In the wild, neon fish live in colonies in large groups called "schools." They swim and forage together. This behavior not only serves as protection from predators but also makes them feel safer. That's why, when keeping neon fish in an aquarium, it's highly recommended to keep them in groups of at least 6-10. Keeping them alone can stress them out, cause illness, and dull their color.

D. Native Habitat and Reproduction

Neon fish originate from the calm, slow-flowing freshwaters of the Amazon Basin, South America. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of aquatic plants. These conditions mimic their natural habitat, where sunlight is blocked by the forest canopy.

Reproduction of neon fish in an aquarium is relatively difficult. The female fish will scatter her eggs on the bottom or among the aquatic plants. After hatching, these tiny, sensitive neon fish require extra care to survive.

With their beauty and unique behavior, it's no surprise that neon fish remain a favorite in the aquascape world. They are not only ornamental, but also fascinating creatures to observe.

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