Green Neon Tetra - Paracheirodon simulans
Published August 6, 2019
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
Social Media: 
The Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) looks very similar to the regular Neon Tetra but only reaches about an inch (2 cm) in size. They will do better when kept in a small school of 7 or more and in slightly acidic and soft water conditions.
Green Neon Tetras are not seen in the trade as often as the regular neons or cardinal tetra. Hobbyists sometimes confuse all three species.
If you do want to try your hand at keeping these tetras, do a slow drip acclimation over the period of an hour or longer and feed them a high quality diet. Keep the tank water parameters in good condition, e.g. keep the nitrates on the low side.
They will do great in heavily planted aquariums.
Green Neon Tetra Care
Scientific Name : Paracheirodon simulans
Common Names : False Neon Tetra
Care Level : Easy
Size : up to 1 inch (2 cm)
Water Parameters : pH 5.5 - 6 | Temperature : 73°F - 80°F (23°C - 27°C)
Lifespan : 2 to 3 years, possibly longer
Origin / Habitat : South America, Upper Negro and Orinoco River basins
Temperament / Behavior : The Green Neon Tetra gets big and needs to be kept with similar sized species in a large aquarium.
Breeding : Open water / substratum egg scatters. (ref: fishbase).
Aquarium Size : 10 to 20 gallon (schooling fish)
Tank Mates : Does well when kept in species only tanks or with other small fish species.
Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease
Diet / Foods : Will accept a micro type pellet food (NLS) or smaller flake foods. Supplement with dapnia, thawed brine shrimp, etc.
Tank Region : Middle to upper levels.
Gender : Not sure how to tell males from female.
Photo Credit : Photos copyright JJPhoto.dk
Site References :
Fishbase
Wikipedia
Photo Credit: Cinh (wikimedia)
Still have Green Neon Tetra questions?
Jump on the forum and ask your question!
Go here: Tetra Forum
More Tetra Fish Profiles
Lemon Tetra
A tetra, like others that needs to be kept in schools of 6 or more. A 10 gallon tank but preferably larger is needed.
Neon Tetra
Has to be one of the most popular of the tetras. This freshwater fish is a very pretty blue and red and appears iridescent. Take your time when acclimating this fish to your tank.
Penguin Tetra
Has a lot of common names including the Blackline Tetra, the Penguinfish and the Hockey Stick Tetra.