Green Neon Tetra is a small freshwater fish with the scientific name Paracheirodon simulans.
It lives in South America’s upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers. It’s similar to Neon and Cardinal Tetras, except for a green tint near their top dorsal fin.
Green neon tetra looks like the well-known Neon Tetra but has some differences, such as being smaller and having a less noticeable red patch.
The blue-green colors on the top part of its body are brighter, and its shape is slimmer.
Aquarists do keep green neon tetras in aquariums, but they’re not as common as neon or cardinal tetras.
Green neon tetras have other names like Blue or False Neon, and some outdated names include Hyphessobrycon simulans and Cheirodon simulans.
These fish lose their bright colors when it’s dark but regain them when the lights are turned on again.
Green Neon Tetra Interesting Facts
- Green Neon Tetra is a small, tropical fish native to South America’s upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers.
- These fish have bright blue-green colors on their body and can grow up to 0.8 inches (2.0 centimeters) long.
- They prefer slightly acidic water with temperatures between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C).
- Green Neon Tetras reproduce more successfully in groups rather than just in pairs.
Green Neon Tetra Habitat
Green neon tetra is a small, tropical fish. It comes from South America, specifically the upper Negro and Orinoco River basins.
This freshwater fish prefers swimming in open water and needs slightly acidic water with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.
The water hardness should be low (up to 4 dH). Keep the temperature between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C) for healthy development.
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.5 to 6.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Green Neon Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 0.8 inches (2.0 centimeters)
Green neon tetra is a tiny fish. The maximum length of this fish is 0.8 inches (2.0 centimeters) upon maturation.
Green Neon Tetra Reproduction
Green neon tetra reproduces more successfully when in groups instead of just two together.
Green Neon Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Paracheirodon |
| Scientific Name: | Paracheirodon simulans |
| Also Known As: | Green Neon Tetra, Blue Tetra, False Neon Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |