Green Neon Tetra

The Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is the #1 schooling fish chosen by IAPLC world-class aquascapers. Smaller and sleeker than Cardinal or standard Neon Tetras (just 2–2.5 cm), its iridescent turquoise-emerald lateral stripe runs unbroken from nose to tail base with minimal red on the belly—creating a clean, unified ribbon of glowing cyan-green that amplifies sense of scale in planted layouts.

Built for High-Tech planted tanks starting at 40 liters using active buffering aquasoil, RO water, and CO2 injection, as it loves warm (24–30 °C), soft, acidic water (pH 5.0–6.5, GH 1–6). Unlike standard neons that scatter across the tank, Green Neons maintain an exceptionally tight, synchronized school when kept in groups of 10–20+ individuals. At the first sign of bacterial mouth rot or bloating, consult our Columnaris Treatment Protocol and Fish Dropsy Emergency Guide.

Omnivore with a tiny mouth: feed 0.3–0.5 mm slow-sinking nano granules, finely crushed flakes, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp in small portions that are consumed in midwater within 60 seconds.

Challenging to breed in captivity: requires ultra-soft, tannin-stained water (GH 1–2, pH 4.5–5.5, TDS < 40 ppm) and dim lighting because eggs and newly hatched larvae are sensitive to light.