What is the difference between a Green Neon Tetra and a regular Neon Tetra?

The Green Neon Tetra is smaller, and its iridescent stripe stretches uninterrupted from the nose to the base of the tail, glowing more green-blue. It also lacks the prominent bright red lower belly patch seen on the standard Neon Tetra.

Do Green Neon Tetras absolutely need a blackwater tank?

While they do not explicitly require deeply tannin-stained water to survive, they unquestionably thrive best in it. Very soft, acidic water with botanical tannins reduces stress, boosts their immune system, and brings out their most vivid colours.

How many Green Neon Tetras should I keep together?

You should keep an absolute minimum of 8 individuals, but 12 to 15 or more is highly recommended. Larger shoals result in much more natural behaviour and visually stunning displays.

Will Green Neon Tetras eat my dwarf shrimp?

Because of their incredibly small mouths, they are completely safe with adult dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp). However, they might opportunistically hunt newborn shrimplets if they cross their path in the open.

Why has my Green Neon Tetra lost its glowing colour?

It is completely normal for them to pale significantly when resting at night to avoid predators. However, if they remain pale during the day, it is a strong indicator of stress, poor water quality, or inappropriate water parameters.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Green Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon simulans

A tiny, vibrant schooling fish famous for its brilliant blue-green lateral stripe, ideal for blackwater and nano aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 29 °C
pH range: 4 – 6.5
Hardness: 0 – 5 dGH
Adult size: 1.5 – 2.5 cm
Standard 45L or 60cm aquarium: 45 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore / Micro-predator
Water flow: gentle
Preferred setup: Blackwater biotope preferred, featuring soft sand, driftwood, dried botanical leaves, and dense planting.

About the Green Neon Tetra

The Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is the smallest of the popular Paracheirodon genus, a dazzling jewel of the South American blackwaters. Unlike the standard Neon or Cardinal Tetra, the Green Neon's lateral stripe extends further along the body and often lacks the distinct red lower half, giving it a dominant, continuous blue-green iridescence. Their diminutive size and brilliant colouration make them a highly sought-after species for nano aquascapes and biotope enthusiasts.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Green Neon Tetra comes from

Native range

Upper Rio Negro basin, Rio Orinoco basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela

Habitat

Sluggish tributaries, flooded forest floors, and highly acidic blackwater streams heavily shaded by riparian vegetation.

They are exclusively found in distinct blackwater regions, characterised by low nutrient levels and high concentrations of humic acids.

Similar species

Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Sundadanio axelrodi
Sundadanio axelrodi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Similarly sized and utterly peaceful, they thrive in the same soft, acidic water conditions.
Great
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
A delicate, peaceful bottom-dweller that will not compete with or threaten small tetras.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Green Neons are generally too small to eat adult shrimp, but newly hatched shrimplets may be opportunistically hunted.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Adult Angelfish will view Green Neon Tetras as a natural food source and eat them.
Not recommended
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Highly aggressive and requires drastically different water parameters; will easily kill or consume nano tetras.
Not recommended

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