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.
Green Neon Tetra At a Glance
Green Neon Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Green Neon Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Green Neon Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Green Neon Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Green Neon Tetra Water Parameters
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Green Neon Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Green Neon Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard and only common form of the Green Neon Tetra. They must be kept in groups of at least 6 (preferably 10+) to reduce stress and encourage their tight schooling behavior. They do exceptionally well in biotope setups with leaf litter and driftwood.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Green Neon Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Green Neon Tetra, scientifically known as Paracheirodon simulans, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Green Neon Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 4.5–6.5 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Green Neon Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Green Neon Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Green Neon Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Green Neon Tetra, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Green Neon Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Green Neon 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, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Green Neon Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Green Neon Tetra.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Green Neon Tetra
How big does Green Neon Tetra get?
Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Green Neon Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Green Neon Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Green Neon Tetra need?
Green Neon Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Green Neon Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Green Neon Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Green Neon Tetra should be kept together?
Green Neon 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 Neon Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Green Neon Tetra benefits from leaf litter/blackwater, plants - densely covered, and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Green Neon Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Green Neon Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesParnahyba Whiptail Catfish
Loricaria parnahybae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Green Neon Tetra
These plants pair well with Green Neon Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Green Neon Tetra
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A peaceful, active schooling fish native to the Paraguay basin. Known for its striking contrast of a dark black lateral stripe underneath a glowing iridescent white/green-gold stripe. Excellent for community aquariums, particularly in planted setups or blackwater biotope tanks with 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.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.
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.
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins. They are named for the distinct 'phantom' black patch behind their gills. They thrive in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting (often achieved via floating plants or blackwater conditions). Males engage in spectacular but harmless 'mock battles' where they flare their fins at each other.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.