Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Green Neon Tetra - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Green Neon Tetra at a glance
Adult size: 1 inch · Min tank/pond: 10 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 2-3 years.
Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Green Neon Tetra comes from
Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Green Neon Tetra tank size and setup
Green Neon Tetra requires a minimum of 10 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 1 inch adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Green Neon Tetra
Green Neon Tetra prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Green Neon Tetra eats
Green Neon Tetra is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Green Neon Tetra tankmates and compatibility
Green Neon Tetra works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Green Neon Tetra adult size and lifespan
Green Neon Tetra reaches 1 inch at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 2-3 years with proper care.
Can you breed Green Neon Tetra?
Green Neon Tetra can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Green Neon Tetra diseases and problems
Green Neon Tetra is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Green Neon Tetra for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Green Neon Tetra online
Green Neon Tetra is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Green Neon Tetra from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Green Neon Tetra taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.