Green Neon Tetra (.75”)

Scientific Name:

Paracheirodon simulans

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.5–4 cm)

• Lifespan: Typically 2–3 years, occasionally up to 5 with excellent care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small school (6–8 fish)

• Ideal for nano tanks or community aquariums

Water Changes and General Care:

• Water change: 25–30% weekly to maintain water quality

• Filtration: Gentle filtration recommended; avoid strong currents

• Lighting: Low to moderate; subdued lighting enhances their vibrant coloration

• Aquascape: Heavily planted tanks with driftwood and leaf litter mimic their natural habitat; dark substrate helps their colors pop

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 5.5–7.4 (acidic preferred)

Tankmates:

• Peaceful, small species only. Ideal companions include:

  • Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, Dwarf shrimp (with caution), Other small, peaceful tetras

Avoid large or aggressive fish, as Green Neons are timid and easily stressed.

Diet:

• Omnivorous; feed a varied diet:

  • High-quality micro pellets or flakes Xtreme Community Crave and Xtreme Nano Pellets

  • Frozen Baby brine shrimp
    

Feed small portions 1–2 times daily; avoid overfeeding. 

Overview:

Green Neon Tetras are often confused with the more common Neon (Paracheirodon innesi) and Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi), but P. simulans is smaller and more delicate, with a shimmering blue-green stripe that runs nearly the full body length and lacks the red lower stripe seen in Cardinals.

They are shy, peaceful fish that thrive in groups of at least 6–10. The larger the group, the more secure and natural their behavior. They're best kept in well-established aquariums with stable water parameters.

Natural Environment:

• Native to the blackwater streams of the Rio Negro basin, Brazil and Venezuela

• In the wild, they live in acidic, tannin-rich waters under dense canopy cover

• The environment is slow-moving, shaded, and filled with leaf litter and submerged roots

Breeding:

• Challenging but possible in captivity
  

• Use a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

• Condition adults with high-quality live foods

• Spawning occurs early morning; scatter eggs among plants

• Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation

• Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry are very tiny and light-sensitive

• Feed infusoria or powdered fry food initially