Why are neon tetras so expensive? Well, it’s a pretty fair question. Neon tetras are one of the most popular tropical fish on the market, but at such high prices that many people would be surprised. Why is there such a price hike in neon tetras? To answer this we have to look at some of the aspects of neon tetras care and try to understand why it is difficult to have them as pets.
How Expensive Are Neon Tetras?
Neon tetras are one of the most popular fish in the world and come from Latin America. They’re small (about 2+ inches), fast-swimming fish that are fun to watch for their bright colors and darting movements. They’re also known for being hardy and easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners who want to get into keeping fish but don’t have much experience yet.
In general, neon tetras can cost between $1 and $8 per fish. This price will vary depending on the size of the fish you want and where you live. If you want a small neon tetra for your tank, expect to pay about $3; if you want a larger one for your tank, expect to pay about $4-$5 per fish.
So, Why Are Neon Tetras So Expensive?
Although there can be many reasons why neon tetras are so expensive depending upon your region and tax policies but there are a few common reasons why these pets are so expensive. A few of those common reasons are mentioned below:
1- Difficult To Breed
Neon tetras are expensive because they are difficult to breed and maintain. It’s not as easy as it sounds to get neon tetras, because they are very hard to breed in captivity. Neon tetras need certain conditions that can only be achieved in the right environment, and even then, it takes time and patience to get them there. This is why people who want these fish often have a hard time breeding them themselves.
2- Challenging To Keep Alive
Another reason why neon tetras are so expensive is that they are difficult to keep alive. They do best in slightly acidic water with high levels of dissolved oxygen. They can be kept in a tank that is at least 4 gallons (15 liters) long, but they will be more comfortable if the water is deeper. Use a substrate such as gravel or sand for your tetras to hide in and for them to spawn on.
Neon tetras need plenty of room to swim and school. They also need plants in their tank; these will help keep the water clean and prevent algae from growing. Plants are not necessary for neon tetra care because they can eat any algae that grow on their leaves, but they do provide some visual interest as well as add nutrients to the water column. In addition, plants provide a place for your neon tetra fish to hide.
3- Shorter Lifespan
On top of their stunning, iridescent scales, neon tetras are also known for having a short lifespan. This means they’re high in demand and expensive! These fish are a favorite among many aquarists because of their vibrant colors, beautiful scales, and swift swimming abilities. Their long fins allow them to move around quickly when they need to escape predators or other dangers.
Because neon tetras have a short lifespan, it’s important for aquarists to take good care of them by feeding them properly and keeping their tanks clean at all times so that they can get plenty of exercise without getting bored or stressed out by old toys or decorations from previous owners who didn’t know what they were doing!
4- High Shipping Cost
Another common reason for their high price is that they need special care when shipping and can be very difficult. This raises the price of neon tetras. It costs more to ship neon tetras than other fish because of their fragility and the extra care required to ensure their safety during shipping.
Neon tetras also need special packaging when being shipped because they are so delicate that even the slightest damage can lead to death or illness. If in any case, you want to ship your neon tetras safely, you should not use cardboard boxes as these are known for causing damage when used with fish. Instead, use airtight plastic containers with tight lids or glass jars filled with water and ice packs inside of them.
5- High In Demand
Neon tetras are high-demand fish and for good reason. Their coloration is striking, their behavior is fascinating, and they’re just plain fun to observe in the aquarium. Neons are so popular that they’ve been known to outsell other species of aquarium fish. That’s why they’re so expensive!
6- Need Extra Care At Pet Stores
Neon tetras are small and delicate creatures. They are also known as the “glow lamp fish,” which is a perfect name for these little guys. They need extra care at pet stores, which can increase their price in addition to increasing the amount of time it takes for them to become accustomed to their new home.
Tip: If you’re looking for a neon tetra, look carefully at how well they’re cared for at your local pet store. If the tank is dirty or there are dead fish floating around, don’t buy one. If the tank is well-maintained and stocked with live food, only then choose your neon tetra!
What Is The Cost Of Adult Neon Tetra Fish?
Adult neon tetra fish is a bit expensive as compared to young ones. They are priced at $4 – $6 dollars depending on how big they get. You can purchase them in different sizes, ranging from tiny to large. They are very similar to young ones in appearance and behavior, but they are larger in size and have more vibrant colors. They can also be identified by their bright red fins and body.
Why Different Neon Tetra Cost Different?
The first thing that affects their price is the difference between their size. Some are small enough to live in your small aquarium and some are bigger, so it’s important to take this into consideration when choosing a pet for your home. Another thing that affects their price is their coloration; some have bold patterns, whereas others have a more subtle color scheme.
Another factor that affects the price of neon tetras is where they’re sold; if they’re being sold at an aquarium store or online store, they will obviously cost more than those being sold at other stores or online stores (unless there’s an exclusive sale on them).
How Many Neon Tetras Can I Put In A 10-Gallon Tank?
If you are planning on having 4 or 6 neon tetras, you can probably get away with a small 10-gallon tank. This will give them enough room to swim around without bumping into anything else.
If you want more than 6 neon tetras, then we recommend getting a 20-gallon tank. You’ll get more space for your fish to move around and swim around in and they will also have enough room to eat all the food at once without having to compete with each other for food.
Final Words
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons why neon tetras are so expensive. Think about it this way: if you’re willing to spend $5 on something, you’re probably going to value it more than if you were only willing to spend $0.50.It’s important not to make the mistake of thinking that because certain tetras cost more, they’re automatically worth more money. Don’t just scope out a fish that’s pretty and cheaper; scope out a fish that will be right for your tank.