Green Neon Tetra

About Green Neon Tetra

The Green Neon Tetra is a small, peaceful schooling fish known for its brilliant blue-green iridescent stripe that runs along the body. It is one of the most attractive nano schooling fish and looks spectacular when kept in a large group within a planted aquarium.

Green Neon Tetras are smaller and generally more slender than standard Neon Tetras, making them particularly well suited to nano and planted aquariums. Their reflective colouration becomes especially striking under aquarium lighting and against darker plants and substrate.

They are peaceful community fish that spend most of their time swimming through the midwater. Keeping them in a proper group helps them feel secure and encourages natural schooling behaviour.

A planted aquarium with driftwood, floating plants and areas of subdued lighting is ideal. They appreciate stable, clean water and are best kept with other peaceful fish of a similar size.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Paracheirodon simulans
Common Name: Green Neon Tetra / False Neon Tetra
Type: Freshwater Schooling Fish
Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Group: 8+
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH: 5.0–7.0
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Soft
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater
Suitable For: Nano aquariums, planted tanks, community aquariums and blackwater-style setups

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Green Neon Tetras should I keep?

They are schooling fish and should be kept in a group of at least 8, although larger groups are even better. A bigger school will generally display more natural and confident behaviour.

Are Green Neon Tetras suitable for nano tanks?

Yes. Their small adult size makes them an excellent schooling option for appropriately sized nano aquariums, provided there is enough swimming space.

What do Green Neon Tetras eat?

They accept quality micro pellets and flakes as well as small frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and other appropriately sized foods.

Are Green Neon Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful community fish and work well with other small, non-aggressive species.

Can Green Neon Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes, they can generally be kept with adult freshwater shrimp. However, very small shrimplets may be eaten if the tetras encounter them.

Common Mistakes

Keeping too few fish
Green Neon Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in a proper group.

Keeping them in hard, alkaline water
They generally do best in softer, slightly acidic conditions.

Adding them to an immature aquarium
Wait until the aquarium is fully cycled and stable before introducing them.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish
Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger tank mates.

Overfeeding
Their small mouths require appropriately sized food. Feed small portions that they can consume quickly.