The Green Fire Tetra is a lively, schooling fish originating from South America. They are characterized by their metallic green bodies and a striking red coloration on their lower flanks and anal fins. They are generally peaceful but highly active, requiring plenty of swimming space and a group of conspecifics to feel secure and display their best colors.
Green Fire Tetra At a Glance
Green Fire Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Green Fire Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Green Fire Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Green Fire Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Green Fire Tetra Water Parameters
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Green Fire Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Green Fire Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Males are typically more slender and exhibit small white tips on their pelvic and anal fins, while females are rounder. Must be kept in a school of at least 6.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Green Fire Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Green Fire Tetra, scientifically known as Aphyocharax rathbuni, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Green Fire Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Green Fire Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Green Fire Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Green Fire Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Green Fire Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Green Fire Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Green Fire Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Green Fire Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Green Fire Tetra.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
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Frequently Asked Questions About Green Fire Tetra
How big does Green Fire Tetra get?
Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Green Fire Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Green Fire Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Green Fire Tetra need?
Green Fire Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Green Fire Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Green Fire Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Green Fire Tetra should be kept together?
Green Fire Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Green Fire Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Green Fire Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Green Fire Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Green Fire Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Hillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesHi Fin Peppered Cory
Scleromystax macropterus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesDainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Green Fire Tetra
These plants pair well with Green Fire Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Green Fire Tetra
Fire Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
The Fire Tetra (commonly sold as the Flame or Von Rio Tetra) is a peaceful, schooling nano fish originating from the coastal rivers of Brazil. They are prized for their striking two-toned appearance, which transitions from silver/yellow at the head to a vibrant fiery red at the tail. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent choice for planted community aquariums, though they are unfortunately considered endangered or possibly extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.
Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
An extremely hardy and energetic schooling fish characterized by its silver body and striking bright red fins. As exceptionally active swimmers, they require plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very adaptable to temperature and water parameters, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Must be kept in groups to curb minor fin-nipping tendencies.
Green Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
A striking, nano-sized schooling fish native to the blackwater habitats of the upper Rio Negro and Orinoco basins. Distinct from standard Neon Tetras, the Green Neon has a dominant, brilliant blue-green iridescent stripe running the entire length of its body, with little to no red pigmentation. They are extremely peaceful, somewhat timid, and require soft, acidic water with subdued lighting to thrive.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
The Ember Tetra is a striking, fiery orange-red nano fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. Extremely peaceful and active, they are perfect for planted and blackwater aquariums. They are tight schoolers and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
A peaceful, schooling nano fish native to the Essequibo River basin in South America. They are famous for their translucent bodies and the striking iridescent neon-orange stripe running from snout to tail. They thrive in mature, planted aquariums with slightly soft, acidic water and subdued lighting.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.