Best kept as a shoal in a well-maintained aquarium. The smallest of the family, this fish show its best colour in softwater
Overview
Synonyms
Cheirodon simulans, Hyphessobrycon simulans
Distribution
Upper Negro River basin, Brazil and the Orinoco River basin in Colombia & Venezuela.
Maximum Size
3cm (1.18")
Temperature
24-27°C
Water Parameters
Soft and acidic. pH: 5.5-6.5, dH: <8 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
Medium
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females are fuller-bodied.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Green Neon Tetra is a beautiful, peaceful species is best maintained in groups of 6 or more fish in a softwater aquarium. Tankmates, if desired, should consist of small fish only, and which are of a similar disposition. Green Neon Tetras appreciate rooted and floating plant cover to help diffuse some of the light. Specimens offered for sale in the trade are almost all wild-caught from their natural blackwater environment which is surrounded by overhanging vegetation from the rainforests, hence the need for dappled light to be provided. Peat filtration is highly recommended. May also be seen on sale as the False Neon Tetra.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brineshrimp and cyclops.
Breeding
Difficult. Best results are obtained when groups, rather than pairs, are added to the spawning aquarium. Each female can lay up to 130 eggs. The water must be very soft and acidic, and plenty of Java moss (or spawning mops) placed on the bottom of the tank to collect the eggs. The adult fish should be removed from the aquarium once spawning has ceased in order to prevent predation on the eggs. The tank should be kept in darkness as the eggs are light sensitive. These eggs should hatch within 24 hours. Once free-swimming, the fry should be offered infusoria.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
