Wild Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)

Paracheirodon simulans, sometimes called the green neon, swaps the classic red lower stripe for a fainter wash and runs the iridescent stripe in a cooler green-blue rather than neon's saturated blue. It's smaller and a touch more delicate than the common neon tetra, coming from the same Rio Negro blackwater systems but staying rarer in the trade since it doesn't breed as readily in captivity. Soft, slightly acidic water and a tight shoal bring out the coloring best.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling · Max size: ~1.25" · Min tank: 15 gal · Diet: Omnivore, flake/micro-pellet