£3.00
To my eyes, the Green Neon Tetra is not very green, but we have to call it something. Other common names are the “False Neon Tetra” and the “Green Tetra”. Other scientific names that have been used for this fish are “Cheirodon simulans” and “Hyphessobrycon simulans“.
For more information see the description section below.
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A Near Relative of the Neon Tetra
The “Green Neon Tetra”, “Paracheirodon simulans“, is closely related to the Neon Tetra, Paracheirodon innesi, and the Cardinal Tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi. It is not as popular as its two gorgeous cousins although it is also a stunning fish. In our shop, by far the most popular tropical fish is the Neon Tetra. The Cardinal Tetra is less popular despite being one of the most beautiful fresh water aquarium fish, its higher price puts some people off. I would suggest that it is only the existence of its two close relatives in the aquarium trade that stops the Green Neon tetra being the most sought after tropical fish.
To my eyes, the Green Neon Tetra is not very green, but we have to call it something. Other common names are the “False Neon Tetra” and the “Green Tetra”. Other scientific names that have been used for this fish are “Cheirodon simulans” and “Hyphessobrycon simulans“.
If anything the Green Neon Tetra is slightly smaller even than the Neon Tetra. Its maximum size is reported to be about one and a half inches (4cm) long but I have never seen one much over half this size.
The Green Neon Tetra has a more restricted range than the Neon Tetra although it is not a threatened species in the wild. It comes from The Rio Negro in Brazil and Colombia, and the upper part of the Orinoco in Venezuela.
The red section of the Green Neon Tetra is shorter than that of the Neon Tetra, and a lot shorter than the Cardinal Tetra’s.
Water Conditions
Wild Green Neon Tetras come from very soft, acidic water at a temperature in the mid to high twenties in degrees C (the seventies in degrees F). These are the ideal conditions for this fish. It will adjust to neutral water with some hardness and a temperature of 24 degrees C (75 degrees F) and is fine in a community tank with small peaceful fish.
Avoid having a filter with excessively strong water intake because this fish is prone to get sucked in by strong currents, perhaps even more so than the Neon Tetra.
Food
The Green Neon Tetra is an omnivore and will eat normal fish foods of a suitable size. Small live food is good as is frozen blood worms.
