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Green Neon Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Paracheirodon simulans

Complete Green Neon Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 10 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Green Neon Tetra

Quick Answer

Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is a close relative of the Neon Tetra but with a longer, brighter green-blue stripe that extends the full body length. It requires a minimum 10 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 5.5 - 7.0 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is a close relative of the Neon Tetra but with a longer, brighter green-blue stripe that extends the full body length. It comes from the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro.

Setup

A well-planted tank of 10+ gallons with dark substrate and dim lighting. Soft, acidic water with good filtration but gentle flow. Driftwood and leaf litter are beneficial.

Feeding

Small flake food, micro pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp. They readily accept prepared foods.

Compatibility

Peaceful schooling fish. Keep in groups of 8+. Ideal companions: other small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
5.5 - 7.0

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Green Neon Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 10 to 15 individuals in a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 liters) with a footprint of 24x12 inches (60x30 cm). Green neon tetras (Paracheirodon simulans) stay slightly smaller than standard neon tetras (0.8 inches/2 cm) and display a deep turquoise-green line only in groups over 12. Groups under 8 cause chronic stress, faded colors, and susceptibility to disease. A school of 20+ creates natural shoaling dynamics. Provide dark substrate, dim lighting, and floating plants. Avoid large tank mates that may prey on them.
What are the exact water parameters for Green Neon Tetras?
Target pH 5.5 - 7.0 (optimal 6.0), General Hardness 1 - 4 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 1 - 3 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 30 - 100 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 60 - 200 μS/cm, and temperature 74°F - 82°F (23°C - 28°C). They require soft, acidic water conditions; hard water (dGH >8) causes kidney failure and shortened lifespan. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes using RO water. Add Indian almond leaves (1 per 5 gallons) and peat filtration. Use a sponge filter with gentle flow. Avoid alkaline substrates.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Green Neon Tetras?
They are omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed finely crushed tropical flakes, micro pellets (0.3 mm), frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and cyclops twice daily. Offer spirulina powder weekly. Medication alert: Sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L max) and formalin. Use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L) for ich. Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <2 ppt). Quarantine with methylene blue at half-strength. They are highly susceptible to neon tetra disease; remove infected fish immediately.
How to breed Green Neon Tetras in captivity?
Breeding is challenging. Condition 15-20 mature fish with live baby brine shrimp and blackworms for 4 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 3 inches (7.5 cm) of RO water (pH 5.8, 1 dGH, 80°F/27°C), a spawning mop, and very dim light (cover sides). Simulate dawn with a single 1-watt LED. Spawning occurs in absolute darkness; female releases 300-500 eggs. Remove parents after 6 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours. Fry are light-sensitive; keep tank covered. Feed infusoria for 5 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 10.