Green Neon Tetra
Posted by Max Gandara on on 3rd Dec 2025
Green Neon Tetra
The Green Neon Tetra is a small, peaceful freshwater fish prized for its iridescent green and blue coloring, making it a popular choice for community aquariums. Native to slow moving streams and rivers in South America, this species thrives in planted tanks with calm waters and provides a lively splash of color to any aquarium setup.
Green Neon Tetras grow to about 1 to 1.5 inches in length, making them ideal for nano tanks, small community tanks, and heavily planted aquariums. Their slender, shimmering bodies reflect light beautifully, with a vibrant green stripe running along the side and a subtle blue tint that enhances their overall appeal. These tetras are active swimmers and feel most secure in groups of six or more, displaying natural schooling behavior that adds movement and interest to the tank.
Maintaining a clean, well planted aquarium is essential for Green Neon Tetras. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, soft to moderately hard water, and stable temperatures around 72 to 78°F. A tank size of at least 10 gallons is recommended for small groups, with plenty of open swimming space and dense plants or floating vegetation for hiding and security.
Green Neon Tetras are peaceful and do well with other small, non aggressive species such as rasboras, dwarf corydoras, ember tetras, and small rasboras. Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may stress or outcompete them for food.
Feeding these tetras is simple, as they readily accept high quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods like daphnia or bloodworms. A varied diet helps enhance their natural colors and keeps them healthy and active.
Breeding Green Neon Tetras is possible but can be challenging due to their small size and specific water requirements. They are egg scatterers and prefer very clean, slightly acidic water with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or other microscopic foods before progressing to baby brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes.
The Green Neon Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a small, peaceful, and colorful schooling fish. With proper care, clean water, and a planted tank, these vibrant fish thrive and bring dynamic color and activity to any freshwater aquarium.