Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra | Paracheirodon simulans: A Peaceful Shoaling Fish for Planted Aquariums

The Green Neon Tetra is a small South American freshwater fish with a vivid green-blue stripe and a less pronounced red marking than its familiar relatives, the Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra. Growing to around 2–3 cm, it brings colour and movement to a well-planted aquarium while remaining peaceful with suitably sized tankmates.

This social species is best kept in a group, where it can shoal and swim through the upper and middle water layers. Green Neon Tetras are omnivores and should be offered small-particle foods suited to their size. They can live alongside other peaceful small fish, including small tetras, dwarf cichlids and some catfish. Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species.

Specifications: Neon Tetra | Paracheirodon simulans

• Common name: Neon Tetra

• Scientific name: Paracheirodon simulans

• Origin: Rio Negro and Rio Orinoco regions of South America

• Adult size: approximately 2–3 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Swimming area: Upper and middle water layers

• Minimum aquarium size: 50 litres

• Group and stocking guidance: 10–12 fish per 50 litres

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 6.4–7.2

• Water hardness: 0–18 NK°

• Diet: Omnivorous; provide small-particle foods

• Breeding: Challenging; soft water is needed for successful breeding

• SKU: 888080

• Availability: Personal pickup only

How to Keep Green Neon Tetras

1. Use an aquarium of at least 50 litres and keep the fish in a group. The source guidance is 10–12 fish per 50 litres.

2. Maintain the water temperature between 22–28°C and pH between 6.4–7.2. The listed water hardness range is 0–18 NK°.

3. Plant the aquarium heavily to provide cover and create a habitat suited to this species.

4. Offer small-particle foods that fit the fish’s size as part of a varied omnivorous diet.

5. Choose peaceful, small tankmates and avoid larger or aggressive fish.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Keep Green Neon Tetras in a group; they are social fish.

• Maintain stable water conditions within the listed temperature, pH and hardness ranges.

• Provide plenty of aquatic plants and cover.

• Choose peaceful, suitably sized tankmates for a community aquarium.

• Breeding can be challenging and requires soft water.

• Live fish are available for personal pickup only.