Green neon tetra
Minimum Tank Volume 10 Gallon |
Recommended Tank Volume 20 Gallon (for groups of 6 or more) |
Maximum Adult Length 1.2 inch |
Average Adult Length 1 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) Yes |
Preferred Water Type Soft, acidic freshwater |
Minimum Group Size 6 |
Temperature Range (°C) 24–29 |
pH Range 5.0–6.5 |
Water Hardness (dGH) Very soft |
Typical Lifespan (years) 2 years |
Minimum Tank Volume 10 Gallon | Recommended Tank Volume 20 Gallon (for groups of 6 or more) |
Maximum Adult Length 1.2 inch | Average Adult Length 1 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) Yes | Preferred Water Type Soft, acidic freshwater |
Minimum Group Size 6 | Temperature Range (°C) 24–29 |
pH Range 5.0–6.5 | Water Hardness (dGH) Very soft |
Typical Lifespan (years) 2 years |
Introduction
The Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is a captivating freshwater fish renowned for its vibrant blue-green stripe that extends from its nose to the base of its tail. This striking coloration, combined with its peaceful nature, makes it a favorite among aquarists. Slightly smaller than its close relatives, the Neon and Cardinal Tetras, the Green Neon Tetra offers a unique aesthetic appeal. While they are relatively hardy, providing them with appropriate care and a well-maintained environment is essential for their well-being.
Care and Environment
Proper care for Green Neon Tetras involves attention to tank size, water parameters, filtration, lighting, feeding, and tank setup.
What is the minimum tank size for Green Neon Tetras?
A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (approximately 38 liters) is recommended for a small group of Green Neon Tetras. However, a larger tank, such as a 20-gallon (75-liter) setup, is preferable to accommodate a larger school and provide ample swimming space.
What are the ideal water parameters for Green Neon Tetras?
Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial. The ideal parameters include:
- Temperature: 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C)
- pH: 5.0 to 6.5
- Water Hardness: Very soft water
Regular water changes and monitoring are essential to keep these parameters stable.
How should the tank be set up for Green Neon Tetras?
To replicate their natural habitat, consider the following:
- Substrate: Use a fine, sandy substrate.
- Plants: Incorporate live plants like Java Moss, Amazon Sword, and Anubias to provide hiding spots and enhance the environment.
- Decorations: Add driftwood and rocks to create additional hiding places and mimic their native surroundings.
- Lighting: Opt for subdued lighting to simulate the dimly lit waters they originate from.
Ensure the tank has gentle water flow, as strong currents can stress these small fish.
What should I feed Green Neon Tetras?
Green Neon Tetras are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. Suitable foods include:
- High-quality flake or micro-pellet food
- Live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms
- Vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables
Feed them small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume the food quickly to prevent waste buildup.
Origin and Habitat
Green Neon Tetras are native to the upper tributaries of the Negro and Orinoco Rivers in South America. They inhabit slow-moving, tannin-rich blackwater environments characterized by soft, acidic waters with pH levels ranging from 4.3 to 4.7 and temperatures between 25°C to 35°C. These waters are often shaded by dense vegetation, providing a dimly lit habitat with abundant hiding spots.
Temperament and Compatibility
Green Neon Tetras are peaceful, schooling fish that thrive in groups of at least 6-10 individuals. Keeping them in larger schools helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors.
What are suitable tank mates for Green Neon Tetras?
Compatible tank mates include:
- Other small, peaceful Tetra species (e.g., Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras)
- Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasboras, Chili Rasboras)
- Corydoras catfish
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Guppies
It's important to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish that may view them as prey.
Can Green Neon Tetras be kept with shrimp?
Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe tank mates; however, Green Neon Tetras may prey on shrimp fry. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also coexist well with them.
Interesting Facts
Green Neon Tetras possess several intriguing traits that make them stand out among freshwater fish.
How do Green Neon Tetras differ from other Neon Tetras?
Unlike the Neon and Cardinal Tetras, the blue-green lateral stripe of the Green Neon Tetra extends all the way to the base of the tail, and their red coloration is less pronounced.
Do Green Neon Tetras lose their color at night?
Yes, these fish lose their brilliant blue and red colors when lights are switched off but regain them when lights are turned on again.
Are Green Neon Tetras resilient to environmental changes?
Studies have shown that Green Neon Tetras exhibit 100% survival in extreme conditions of lower dissolved oxygen and pH, as well as higher carbon dioxide and temperature, indicating a remarkable resilience to environmental changes.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources: