Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)

The Green Neon Tetra is an excellent looking, peaceful fish that are relatively easy to take care of. However, this fish is not recommended for the community aquarium due to its small size and somewhat specific requirements. Ideally, these should be maintained alone or at most with small, non-aggressive fish.

The Green Neon Tetra is a social species and naturally forms schools meaning 8-10 of these fish is the minimum recommended purchase since the fish will be less shy and display more interesting behaviour.

They have some subtle variations that can be fun for aquarists who are looking for something a little bit different.

This Green Neon Tetra is similar in appearance to their closely related and better-known Neon Tetra. However, these are slightly smaller, slimmer and their red patch is less pronounced. their body has a silvery-greyish base. The bright turquoise-green colouration elongates throughout the fish's body on both sides. The only red-green colouration found in them is in the head, caudal fin and ventral area.

Photos

Natural Habitat

Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Green Neon Tetra will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.