Fire Green Tetra

Aphyocharax rathbuni

Fire Green Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Fire Green Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7.1 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 2–20 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–20 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Fire Green Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Fire Green Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Feed varied prepared foods, supplemented regularly with live or frozen invertebrates.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil.

Important notes

This normally peaceful tetra can nip fins; avoid slow fish and species with exaggerated fins, even with otherwise compatible water chemistry.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bloodfin Tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 64–82°F (18–28°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Fire Green Tetra get?

Fire Green Tetra reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7.1 cm).

What aquarium size does Fire Green Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Fire Green Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Fire Green Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Fire Green Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

Should Fire Green Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Fire Green Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 6.