Green Fire Tetra – Aphyocharax rathbuni
The Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) is a small, active freshwater schooling fish known for its subtle green shimmer, red accents, and energetic swimming behavior. This lively tetra adds movement, color, and personality to peaceful community aquariums.
Green Fire Tetras are best kept in groups, where they feel more confident and display natural schooling behavior. Their green sheen and flashes of red look especially attractive in planted aquariums with open swimming space, live plants, and darker backgrounds.
Key Features
- Subtle green shimmer with red accents
- Active freshwater schooling fish
- Great for peaceful community aquariums
- Adds constant movement and energy to the tank
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Beautiful choice for planted aquariums and aquascapes
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Aphyocharax rathbuni
- Common Name: Green Fire Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10–20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Green Fire Tetras?
Green Fire Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want an active schooling fish with color that is natural but still eye-catching. Their green shimmer and red accents create a unique look without overpowering the aquarium.
Because they are constantly moving, Green Fire Tetras work well in aquariums that need more activity and visual motion. A properly sized group helps reduce stress and brings out their best behavior.
Ideal Tank Setup
Green Fire Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds help them feel secure while enhancing their coloration.
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress. Clean, stable water conditions are important for long-term health.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other small peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful livebearers
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Green Fire Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flake food, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space
- Add live plants or decor for cover
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous tankmates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Green Fire Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Green Fire Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
How many Green Fire Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Green Fire Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They are a great choice for planted aquariums, where their green shimmer and red accents stand out against live plants and darker backgrounds.
How big do Green Fire Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
What do Green Fire Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and activity.
Can Green Fire Tetras live with shrimp?
They can live with shrimp in planted aquariums with proper cover, though very small baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Green Fire Tetras are active schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Low stock: 7 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: