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Green Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae
📍 Upper Rio Negro and Orinoco, Venezuela and Brazil
The green neon tetra is the smallest of the three Paracheirodon tetras and one of the most underappreciated. It has a longer, more vivid blue-green stripe with a shorter red patch compared to the cardinal tetra. It is a strict blackwater species requiring soft, very acidic water and is best kept in biotope setups with tannin-stained water and low light.
Care Guide
Diet
Green neon tetras are omnivores requiring a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, live or frozen baby brine shrimp, and micro worms. Feed small amounts once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Their small mouth size necessitates appropriately sized foods; crushed flake food can supplement pellets occasionally.
Behavior
These are active, peaceful schooling fish that exhibit their best coloration and behavior in groups of 10 or more. They occupy the mid-water column and are most active during low-light periods, making them ideal for dimly-lit blackwater biotopes. They are non-aggressive toward other peaceful species and show minimal fin-nipping tendencies.
Breeding
Breeding green neon tetras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require pristine, soft, acidic water (pH 4.5–5.5), dense vegetation, and specific seasonal triggers mimicking their natural habitat. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food; most breeding attempts fail due to water chemistry and fry care challenges.
Tank Mates
Nearly identical water requirements and peaceful temperament; both thrive in blackwater biotopes
Compatible water parameters and similar size; peaceful schooling behavior complements green neons
Small, peaceful bottom-dweller that shares soft, acidic water preferences; helps maintain tank cleanliness
Generally compatible but may be preyed upon by larger green neons; ensure adequate hiding places
Low-light plant that thrives in acidic water; provides cover and spawning substrate
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces
Raise temperature gradually to 28–29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich-specific medication; maintain excellent water quality
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, lethargy, disorientation, progressive wasting
No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, and euthanize severely affected individuals to prevent transmission
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality, reduce stocking density, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication if severe
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, loss of appetite, color fading
Increase water changes to 50% every 2–3 days, maintain optimal water parameters, use antibiotic medication if condition worsens
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, micro worms
- schooling
- 10+ recommended
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful schooling fish – ideal for blackwater biotopes
Water it likes
- ph
- 4.5–6.5
- hardness
- 0–5 dGH
- temperature
- 77–84°F (25–29°C)