Green Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon simulans

Green Neon Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 3–6.5
GH: 1–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–27 °C, pH 3–6.5, GH 1–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Green Neon 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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Venezuela, Colombia.

Natural habitat: Shaded blackwater streams with dense marginal vegetation.

Similar fish profiles

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

Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°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 Green Neon Tetra get?

Green Neon Tetra reaches ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Green Neon Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Green Neon Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Green Neon 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 Green Neon Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 27 °C.

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

Green Neon Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 8.