All fish / Characidae

Green Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon simulans

Also known as green neon, false neon, green neon tetra, ปลากรีนนีออน, グリーンネオンテトラ, グリーンネオン, 绿莲灯, 绿霓虹灯鱼

A tiny relative of the neon and cardinal tetras, with an iridescent blue-green stripe running the full length of the body and only a faint patch of red on the lower body towards the tail. Keepers like it for nano and blackwater biotope tanks, where a large shoal looks striking against dark wood and leaf litter.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

2.2 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

4 to 6.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 10 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp, plus fine flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Rio Negro and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela

Breeding

It scatters its eggs among fine plants or moss and does not guard them, and the eggs and fry are sensitive to light. Spawning in captivity is possible but not easy, since it needs very soft, acidic water and dim lighting.

Good to know

It does best in soft, acidic water and settled tanks, and may struggle in hard alkaline tap water. It is easily confused with juvenile cardinal or neon tetras, so check the red colouring when buying.