Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)
The Green Neon Tetra is a stunning nano schooling fish prized for its brilliant iridescent blue-green stripe and peaceful personality. Similar in appearance to the classic Neon Tetra, the Green Neon is smaller and features a more prominent shimmering stripe extending across much of its body, with considerably less red coloration. When kept in a large school, their metallic colors create an incredible display as they move together through a planted aquarium.
Native to the blackwater streams and tributaries of the Rio Negro and upper Orinoco regions of South America, Paracheirodon simulans naturally inhabits soft, acidic waters shaded by dense vegetation and forest canopy. In the aquarium, they thrive in mature setups with live plants, driftwood, leaf litter, subdued lighting, and open areas for schooling.
Green Neon Tetras are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least six, although groups of 10 or more create a much more impressive display and encourage natural schooling behavior. Their small size and peaceful nature make them particularly well suited for planted nano and South American biotope aquariums.
These tiny tetras are omnivorous micropredators and should receive appropriately sized foods. Quality micro pellets and finely crushed flakes can be supplemented with baby brine shrimp, daphnia, Cyclops, and other small frozen or live foods. A varied diet helps maintain healthy body condition and brilliant coloration.
Green Neon Tetras are exceptionally peaceful and make excellent companions for other small, gentle species such as Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Pencilfish, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Their small adult size means they should not be housed with larger predatory fish that could view them as food.
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon simulans
Common Name: Green Neon Tetra, False Neon Tetra
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore / Micropredator
Adult Size: Approximately 1 Inch
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Recommended Group Size: 6 or More (10+ Preferred)
Origin: South America
If you're looking for a tiny schooling fish with exceptional color, the Green Neon Tetra is an outstanding choice. Its brilliant blue-green stripe, peaceful temperament, and small size make it a beautiful addition to planted nano aquariums and peaceful freshwater communities.
