


The Green Neon Tetra is a small, peaceful fish that loves being in groups. It’s a close cousin to the Neon Tetra but slimmer, and that green-blue line across its body really shines in planted aquariums. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and great for community setups.
These little guys come out of the blackwater streams of the Amazon, places with soft, slightly acidic water and heaps of plants and roots. They’re tiny — barely hit 2.5 cm (about an inch), so they stay smaller than your regular Neon Tetras. But don’t let the size fool you, when the tank lights catch that green-blue stripe, it looks unreal, almost like they’re glowing. In a planted tank they really stand out, even though they’re small.
Best way to keep them is in a proper school — six or more at least. They don’t do well solo, they’re wired to swim in groups and that’s when you see them looking natural and relaxed. When they move together, it’s like a little shimmer show across the tank.
Feeding’s simple too — flakes, micro pellets, or frozen bits like brine shrimp and daphnia. They’re not picky eaters. Basically, if you’re after a splash of color that doesn’t take up space and doesn’t make your life difficult, these little guys tick all the boxes.
Common Name: Green Neon Tetra
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon simulans
Size: Around 2.5 cm max
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Temperament: Calm, schooling fish
Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia
Temp: 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) – heater is better
pH: 5.0–7.0, they like it a bit acidic
Hardness: 1–6 dGH
Tank Size: At least 40L (10 gallons) for a group of six or more
That green-blue glow under the lights looks amazing.
Stay small and tough enough for nano tanks.
Play nice with other peaceful fish.
Easy to care for, even for beginners.
Schooling groups add loads of movement to the tank.
Aquascape: Plants and shaded spots are best
Substrate: Sand or small gravel works fine.
Filter: Gentle flow filter.
Light: Medium light makes the colors pop.
Cover: Keep a lid, they can jump.
Dwarf Cichlids
(Just don’t mix them with aggressive or large fish.)
Main food: Quality flakes or micro-pellets
Extras: Frozen/live foods like Brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
How often: 1–2 times per day, only what they eat in 2–3 minutes
Keep them in schools of 6+
Do water changes weekly (25–30%)
Stable water keeps its color bright.
If they fade or hide, something’s stressing them.
Q1: Are Green Neon Tetras the same as Neon Tetras?
Not really, they’re slimmer and smaller, with more of a green glow.
Q2: How many should I keep together?
Six or more is best; bigger groups look even better.
Q3: How big do they get?
Up to 2.5 cm.
Q4: How long do they live?
Usually 3–5 years if looked after.
Q5: Do they need a heater?
Yes, they like it warm — 23–27 °C.
Q6: Are they aggressive?
Nope, they’re chill and good for community tanks.
Q7: Will they eat shrimp?
Baby shrimp, maybe, but adults should be fine.
Q8: What’s the price?
At Fish Hut Aqua, 10 Green Neon Tetras + 2 free for $25.
These little fish bring a lot of life to a tank without being fussy. Perfect for aquascaped setups and community aquariums. Order yours today from Fish Hut Aqua — buy 10 and get 2 extra free, with quick shipping across Australia.
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