Green Neon Tetra

Adults of this fish reach a length of up to 4 cm. Outwardly, they resemble the Glowlight Tetra, but differ in a more slender body shape and the presence of greenish iridescence in their coloration. These green hues are especially noticeable and contrasting along the lateral line. The fish's body is uniformly colored, with the exception of a prominent black spot on the caudal fin, which is bordered by thin white strokes. A similar light stroke sometimes appears on the edge of the anal fin.

The species' range covers the Amazon River basin, including Lake January in Brazil. The fish inhabit sections of rivers and streams with slow currents, as well as floodplain bodies of water. In nature, they prefer places with dense vegetation, which provides shelter, and soft, acidic water.

This peaceful fish prefers to live in shoals. It is important to note that in small aquariums, the Green Neon Tetra may struggle to compete for food with larger and more active neighbors. Therefore, it is recommended to choose species of similar size and temperament as companions. Excellent compatibility is observed with Rummy-nose Tetras, most other Tetra species, Apistogrammas, Kribensis, Corydoras, as well as small armored catfish, such as Otocinclus and others.

For keeping a shoal of 6–8 individuals, the optimal aquarium volume starts from 70 liters. Simplicity is preferred in the decor: it is recommended to use a sandy substrate, on which natural snags and a layer of fallen leaves from some trees can be placed. Aquatic plants are not an obligatory element. Given the fish's preference for subdued lighting, shade-loving species are preferred when choosing flora. It is extremely important to maintain a soft, acidic aquatic environment; there is evidence that in alkaline conditions, the Green Neon Tetra may lose the intensity of its coloration, and also potentially face negative health consequences. Aquarium maintenance should be carried out regularly and according to the standard scheme: this includes weekly partial water changes with fresh water, timely removal of organic waste, and preventive equipment checks. These fish are not demanding about food. They readily accept most popular foods of appropriate size, offered in dry, frozen, and live forms.

The fish are not particularly demanding regarding their diet: they readily accept most common foods of suitable size — be it dry, frozen, or live. If conditions in the community tank are favorable, offspring may appear. However, given the lack of parental instincts, breeding should ideally be carried out in a separate tank. The spawning aquarium should be equipped with a simple air-driven filter to avoid creating a strong current and to prevent accidental entry of eggs or fry into the filtration system. Lighting should be subdued. A layer of fine-leaved, low-growing plants or a special substrate should be placed on the bottom, which serves as a hiding place for the eggs from predation by adult fish. A rich protein diet stimulates spawning. Spawning usually occurs in the morning hours: the fish chaotically scatter eggs across the bottom. As soon as the eggs are discovered, the adult fish should be transferred back to the main aquarium. The incubation period lasts from 24 to 36 hours. The hatched fry initially remain motionless, feeding on the yolk sac reserves, and begin free swimming after 3–4 days. Fry are fed with specialized foods for young fish (such as powders, suspensions) or live foods, for example, infusoria and Artemia nauplii.

In a community tank, given favorable conditions, offspring may appear. Nevertheless, due to the parents' lack of care for their young, it is preferable to organize the breeding process in a separate tank. For the spawning aquarium, a simple air-driven filter is necessary to ensure there is no strong current and to prevent accidental suction of eggs or fry into the filtration system. Lighting should be dim. A layer of fine-leaved, low-growing plants or a special substrate is placed on the bottom, which helps protect the eggs from being eaten by adult fish. A protein-enriched diet serves as a stimulus for spawning. As a rule, spawning occurs in the morning, when the fish chaotically scatter eggs across the bottom. Upon discovering the eggs, the adult fish are immediately moved back to the main aquarium. The incubation period lasts 24–36 hours. The hatched fry initially remain in place, feeding on the contents of the yolk sac. After 3–4 days, they begin to swim freely. Fry are fed using specialized foods (such as powders and suspensions), as well as live foods, for example, infusoria and Artemia nauplii.

The species is susceptible to typical characin infections, such as bacterial skin and fin lesions, including columnaris, as well as fungal diseases when water quality deteriorates. There is a risk of parasitic infection if quarantine is not observed. Prevention includes maintaining stable environmental parameters, regular water changes, and providing a varied diet to strengthen immunity.

When choosing, pay attention to the activity of the individuals and the integrity of their fins. A healthy fish should have clear eyes, even coloration without spots, and no visible damage or growths on its body. It is recommended to avoid purchasing fish from aquariums where dead individuals or fish with signs of emaciation are observed, as this may indicate hidden infections.