No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Green Fire Tetra
Aphyocharax rathbuni
Also known as Rathbun's Bloodfin, Greenfire Tetra
Animalia›Chordata›Characiformes›Characidae
The Green Fire Tetra is a small, vibrant schooling fish known for its striking green and red coloration, particularly visible in males under good lighting. These active tetras are excellent for planted community tanks and add dynamic movement and color to any aquarium. They are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Where it's from
Native to the Amazon, Parana and Uruguay river basins
Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Provide 2-3 small feedings daily, only offering what the fish can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplementing with vegetable matter occasionally supports their omnivorous diet.
Behavior
Green Fire Tetras are highly active schooling fish that thrive in groups of at least 6 individuals, displaying more vibrant colors and natural behavior when in larger schools. They are peaceful and spend most of their time in the middle water column, constantly moving and exploring. They are compatible with planted tanks and will not uproot vegetation.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires soft, acidic water with temperatures around 26-28 C (79-82 F). Condition breeding pairs with live foods, then transfer them to a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Remove parents after spawning as they may eat the eggs; fry will hatch in 24-36 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent schooling companions
Compatible water parameters and peaceful behavior; similar ecological niche
Peaceful schooling fish with similar care requirements
Peaceful bottom-dweller that won't compete for food or space
Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible temperature and pH requirements
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Green Fire Tetra to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Neon Tetra Disease, Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, lethargy, loss of appetite, white spots along lateral line
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain excellent water quality, euthanize severely affected individuals
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, fin damage, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform 25-50% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, improve water quality and reduce stress factors
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep Green Fire Tetra? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.