Green Neon Tetra Species Info and Care Guide

green neon tetra
Japanese Fighting Fish is reader-supported. When you purchase through one of our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you).

Last Updated: October 10, 2023 by Flora Gibbins

Did you know that the Green Neon Tetra is actually a relatively new addition to the world of aquarium fish? This species was only discovered in the 1980s in the waters of Brazil and has quickly become a popular choice among hobbyists. Let’s check them out! Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting out, these beautiful fish are sure to captivate and delight you.

Diving right in now…

Green Neon Tetra Facts and Overview

    • Common Names: Green Neon Tetra or Neon Green Tetra
    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon simulans
    • Adult Size: Typically grows up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
    • Lifespan: Green Neon Tetras can live up to 5 years if given proper care
    • Appearance: These fish are easily recognizable for their vibrant green and blue coloration. The green stripe that runs along their body separates the sparkly blue color on top and silver color underneath. The fins are transparent, with the dorsal and anal fins having a hint of green and blue.
    • Origin: Amazon River Basin

Let’s get into more detail in the following sections.

Origin and Distribution

Green Neon Tetras are found in the blackwater tributaries of the Amazon River Basin, specifically in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. They are primarily found in slow-moving waters with a low pH level and high acidity. These conditions are typical of blackwater rivers, which are often stained brown due to the presence of tannins from decaying plant matter.

In their natural habitat, Green Neon Tetras swim in large schools to protect themselves from predators. They tend to occupy the middle and lower sections of the water column, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, and plankton. In the wild, these fish are an important source of food for larger predatory fish such as cichlids and piranhas.

The Green Neon Tetra is not endangered and is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is important to note that wild populations of this species are under threat due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation, pollution, and damming of rivers. As such, it is essential to ensure that Green Neon Tetras in captivity are bred responsibly and sustainably to reduce the demand for wild-caught specimens.

Appearance

Green Neon Tetras are a stunning fish species with an elongated and streamlined body shape similar to the common Neon Tetra. They grow up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length and belong to the group of short-lifespan tetras that live 3-5 years. The body of Green Neon Tetras is primarily green with a bright blue and turquoise stripe running along their body and a red stripe below it. When the lights are on, their colors become even more vibrant and iridescent. Additionally, the colors of Green Neon Tetras appear brighter when they are kept in a group with their own kind.

The fins of Green Neon Tetras are mostly transparent, with the dorsal and anal fins having a hint of green and blue. Their caudal fin, or tail fin, is forked and transparent with a few green and blue markings. Additionally, they have a black spot just behind their gills, which is another characteristic that sets them apart from their close relative, the Neon Tetra.

Males and females look very similar, but males may be slightly larger and more colorful than females. Juvenile Green Neon Tetras have a duller coloration that becomes more vibrant as they mature.

Behavior & Temperament

Green Neon Tetras are generally peaceful and active fish that prefer to swim in schools. In the wild, they school in large groups to protect themselves from predators, and they will exhibit this behavior in captivity as well. Keeping a group of at least six Green Neon Tetras is recommended to ensure that they are comfortable and not stressed.

These fish are active swimmers, and they tend to occupy the middle and lower sections of the water column. They are not aggressive and can be kept with other peaceful fish species that are not large enough to eat them. However, they may become stressed and exhibit erratic behavior if they are housed with aggressive or territorial fish.

Green Neon Tetras are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and rest at night. They are sensitive to changes in their environment, and sudden changes in water parameters or temperature can cause stress and illness. Overall, Green Neon Tetras are a low-maintenance and peaceful fish species that are ideal for community aquariums.

Green Neon Tetra Tank Mates

Green Neon Tetras are peaceful fish that can be kept with other peaceful community fish. Here are some of the best tank mates for Green Neon Tetras:

It’s important to avoid housing Green Neon Tetras with large or aggressive fish, as they may be eaten or harassed. Additionally, it’s best to avoid fish species that prefer a different water temperature or pH level, as this can cause stress and illness.

Keeping a group of at least six Green Neon Tetras is recommended, as they are social fish that prefer to swim in schools. Having a school of fish in your aquarium can create a stunning and dynamic display of color and movement.

Green Neon Tetra Care

Green Neon Tetras are a relatively low-maintenance fish species that are easy to care for. Providing them with a suitable tank setup and maintaining stable water conditions can help ensure that they thrive in captivity.

Tank Setup

Green Neon Tetras are a small fish species and can be kept in a relatively small aquarium. However, it’s essential to ensure that they have enough swimming space and that the tank is well-maintained. Here are some guidelines for setting up a tank for Green Neon Tetras:

    • Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank can accommodate a school of 6 to 8 Green Neon Tetras. If you plan to keep a larger school, a 20-gallon tank or larger is recommended.
    • Substrate: Use a fine-grained substrate such as sand or gravel to mimic the natural environment of the fish. Live plants and driftwood can also be added to provide hiding places and create a natural-looking habitat.
    • Filtration: A good quality filter is essential to maintain water quality and keep the tank clean. A gentle filter with a low flow rate is recommended, as Green Neon Tetras prefer slow-moving water.
    • Lighting: A moderate level of lighting is sufficient for Green Neon Tetras. Avoid intense lighting, as this can stress the fish and promote algae growth.

Water Parameters

Green Neon Tetras are sensitive to changes in water parameters, and it’s essential to maintain stable and consistent water conditions. Here are the ideal water parameters for Green Neon Tetras:

    • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
    • pH: 5.0-7.0
    • Hardness: 1-4 dGH

It’s important to monitor the water parameters regularly using a reliable test kit and make adjustments as necessary. Regular water changes of 20-30% every week or two can help maintain water quality and keep the fish healthy.

Food and Diet

Green Neon Tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of food in the wild. In captivity, it’s essential to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Here are some guidelines for feeding Green Neon Tetras:

    • Commercial Fish Food: High-quality commercial fish food in the form of flakes or pellets is a good staple diet for Green Neon Tetras. Look for food that is specifically formulated for tetra species and contains a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
    • Live and Frozen Food: Green Neon Tetras will also enjoy live and frozen food such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. These foods provide additional nutrients and variety in their diet. However, it’s essential to avoid overfeeding and ensure that any uneaten food is removed from the tank to avoid water quality issues.
    • Vegetables: Green Neon Tetras will also eat small amounts of vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or zucchini. These foods should be offered in small quantities and removed from the tank after a few hours to avoid fouling the water.

Feed your Green Neon Tetras 2 to 3 times per day, with only small amounts of food offered at each feeding. Overfeeding can lead to health issues and water quality problems. Additionally, it’s a good idea to vary their diet by offering different types of food. A varied diet can help ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and vibrant.

Common Diseases

Green Neon Tetras are relatively hardy fish, but they can still be susceptible to certain diseases and health issues. Here are some common diseases to watch out for when keeping Green Neon Tetras:

    • Ich (White Spot Disease): Ich is a parasitic disease that causes white spots to appear on the fish’s body. It’s caused by poor water quality or stress and can be treated with medication.
    • Fin Rot: Fin Rot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins and tail of the fish, causing them to appear ragged or frayed. It’s often caused by poor water quality or physical injury and can be treated with antibiotics.
    • Velvet Disease: Velvet Disease is a parasitic infection that causes the fish’s skin to appear velvety or fuzzy. It’s caused by poor water quality or stress and can be treated with medication.
    • Dropsy: Dropsy is a symptom of various bacterial infections that cause the fish to appear bloated and swollen. It’s often fatal, and infected fish should be isolated and treated with antibiotics.
    • Swim Bladder Disorder: Swim bladder disorder is a common problem in fish and can cause them to swim erratically or float upside down. It can be caused by overfeeding, constipation, or infection, and can sometimes be treated with medication.

To prevent diseases and health issues, it’s essential to maintain stable water conditions and provide a healthy diet for Green Neon Tetras. Again, avoid overfeeding and ensure that the tank is kept clean and well-maintained. Additionally, it’s a good idea to quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of disease. If you notice any signs of illness, act quickly to treat the fish and prevent the disease from spreading to other fish in the tank.

Breeding Green Neon Tetra

The Breeding Process

Male and female Green Neon Tetras look very similar, but males tend to be slightly larger and more colorful than females. During the breeding season, males may exhibit brighter colors and may chase or court females.

Green Neon Tetras are egg scatterers, meaning that the female will lay eggs on the underside of leaves or other surfaces, and the male will fertilize them. To encourage breeding, provide a suitable breeding environment with plenty of plants and hiding places.

When breeding, the male will court the female by chasing her and displaying his bright colors. Once the female is ready to spawn, she will lay a small batch of eggs on a leaf or other surface. The male will then swim over the eggs and fertilize them with his milt.

The female will continue to lay eggs in small batches until she has laid a few hundred. The eggs will hatch in 24 to 36 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming within a few days.

Breeding Tips

Breeding Green Neon Tetras is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a home aquarium. Here are some tips for breeding Green Neon Tetras:

    • To encourage breeding, provide a suitable breeding environment with plenty of plants and hiding places. Use a breeding tank that is at least 10 gallons in size and fill it with soft, acidic water with a pH of 5.0-6.5. Increase the temperature to 80-82°F (27-28°C) to stimulate breeding behavior.
    • It’s important to condition the fish before breeding by feeding them a variety of high-quality live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. This will help prepare them for the energy-intensive process of breeding.
    • Once the fish are conditioned, introduce them to the breeding tank and monitor their behavior. The male will court the female by chasing her and displaying his bright colors. Once the female is ready to spawn, she will lay a small batch of eggs on a leaf or other surface. Ensure that the tank is well-maintained and that the water quality is stable to prevent stress and disease.
    • Once the eggs have been laid, remove the adult fish from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs or fry. The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming within a few days. Provide the fry with a suitable diet and environment to ensure that they thrive.

Breeding Green Neon Tetras can be a rewarding experience that adds to the diversity of your aquarium. With the right conditions and care, you can successfully breed these beautiful fish in your own home.

Related Species

If you’re a fan of Green Neon Tetras, you might also be interested in some other tetra species that share similar characteristics or care requirements. Here are a few related species to consider:

  • Silver Tetras – like Green Neon Tetras, Silver Tetras are peaceful and social fish that do well in schools. They have a similar size and shape, with a silvery-gray coloration that can add a subtle elegance to your aquarium.
  • Glass Tetras – these transparent tetras are another great option for those who appreciate a more subtle, elegant look in their aquarium. They have a delicate appearance and prefer to live in schools.
  • Ember Tetras – these tiny tetras are known for their bright red-orange coloration, but they are still relatively subtle compared to other tetra species. They are social fish that do well in schools and prefer soft, slightly acidic water.
  • Glowlight Tetras – with their unique orange-red stripe and iridescent scales, Glowlight Tetras can add a pop of color to your aquarium without being too flashy. They are social fish that prefer a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots.
  • Lemon Tetras – these tetras may not have the bold coloration of other tetra species, but they have a graceful, almost ethereal appearance that can be quite striking. They are peaceful and social fish that prefer soft, slightly acidic water.

Conclusion: Are Green Neon Tetras Right for Your Aquarium?

Green Neon Tetras are a fantastic addition to any community aquarium, and their stunning colors and peaceful temperament make them a joy to watch. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance fish species that can add color and diversity to your tank, Green Neon Tetras might be the perfect species for you.

Cover image: Sascha Biedermann, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *