Green Neon Tetra - Paracheirodon simulans 1cm

The Paracheirodon simulans, commonly known as the Green Neon Tetra or False Neon Tetra, is a stunning and diminutive freshwater fish native to the blackwater streams of the upper Orinoco and Negro river basins in South America.

Often confused with its famous cousins the Neon and Cardinal Tetras, the Green Neon is distinguished by its intense, electric blue-green lateral stripe that runs the entire length of its body, often extending into the caudal fin base, whilst lacking the prominent red stripe found on other Paracheirodon species.

Growing to a tiny 2-3.5 centimetres in length, these delicate jewels are perfect candidates for nano aquariums and heavily planted setups where their iridescent colours glow brilliantly against dark substrates and foliage.

As with all tetras, Green Neons are highly social, shoaling fish that must be kept in groups of at least 8-10 individuals to feel secure and display natural behaviour—solitary specimens become stressed, pale, and reclusive.

In proper schools, they are lively and confident, occupying the middle water levels where their shimmering blue-green scales catch the light.

These peaceful fish are excellent community inhabitants for small, gentle tank mates such as rasboras, dwarf Corydoras, pencilfish, and other small tetras, though they should not be kept with large or boisterous species that may view them as food.

Omnivorous by nature, they require tiny foods such as crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and small live or frozen offerings like daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp.

They thrive in soft, acidic water with dimmed lighting or floating plants to replicate their natural blackwater habitat.

With proper care including regular water changes and stable parameters, Green Neon Tetras typically live 3-5 years, making them exquisite, glowing additions to peaceful nano and community aquariums.