Green Neon Tetra 1.5cm

Green Neon Tetra

The green neon tetra is an incredibly underrated and stunning fish that is often overshadowed by more common species like cardinal, rummynose, and standard neon tetras. Green neon’s arguably prettier, can be kept in slightly cooler temperatures, and tend to be genetically healthier than standard neon as well. These fish aren’t all that commonly available in the aquarium hobby and tend to be very seasonal which is why they often fetch a higher price but they really do make up for it with their schooling behaviour.

Green neon tetras at first glance may pass off like a regular neon tetra but their smaller size and incredibly vibrant blue stripe are a clear giveaway. They also do feature a lot less red however the glowing aqua blue stripe really does make up for it. In a well-planted or even black water display aquarium these fish stand out very well. In a group of 6 or more the schooling behaviour and colours really start to look amazing, just imagine how great a school of 20+ green neon tetras would look in a planted aquarium. As green neon tetras have not been commercially bred as much as regular neon tetras have, these fish carry much better genetics and may not be as disease-prone as standard neon’s as well. Due to their lack of availability and higher price breeding these fish in the home aquarium is not all that common but it is possible. It is best to create a breeding aquarium with dense leaf litter or spawning mops to get the best success. These are egg-scattering fish where females will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilizing. Females tend to be rounder-bodied compared to males however there are no direct distinguishing factors. The wild origin of green neon tetras is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Green Neon Tetra
Being a very small and relatively easy to care for fish the green neon tetra can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 40-litre system. These fish can also be kept in a very affordable aquarium setting with just a simple sponge filter, low-power lighting, some moss, and simple decor. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth, making them contrast really well and making them more comfortable in the aquarium to swim out in the open. Green neon tetras are soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in the PH as low as 6 and will even look stunning in a black water aquarium setting.

Suitable Tank Buddies
The green neon tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression at all. They may be quite shy which is why it is recommended to keep them in relatively large schools.

Usually Compatible
Cardinal Tetras, Emperor Tetras, Plecos, Corydoras, Shrimp, Bolivian Rams, and other small community fish.

Sometimes Compatible
Green neon tetras can be a relatively slow fish so any fin-nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food such as Giant Danios, Tiger Barbs, Angelfish, or Torpedo Barbs.

Rarely Compatible
Large and aggressive species such as Rainbow Sharks, Raphael Catfish, and larger-mouthed community fish may prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Green Neon Tetra
Green neon tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp.