Fish ID?

dwalk77 · Oct 13, 2022

I saw this fish at the store, and it was labeled as a Green Fire Tetra. After more research, it looks to me like this is actually a Green Neon Tetra.
Can someone confirm what fish this is?

AdoraBelle Dearheart · Oct 13, 2022

Looks like a green neon tetra to me, but you have to also know that fish can have many different common names, and some of those are even common names used for other species of fish. That's why many urge the use of scientific names only, to be sure which species of fish is actually being talked about. That's even more important on an international forum like this, since the common names used are often different in different parts of the world, while the scientific name is always the same.

Byron · Oct 13, 2022

Yes, it is Paracheirodon simulans, commonly called the green neon tetra or false neon tetra. The "green fire tetra" name is sometimes applied to this fish, but it can also refer to a very different fish that is a real terror, fin nipping wildly.

This fish (P. simulans) is the most sensitive of the three "neon" species. It needs very soft water and an acidic pH. Very, very peaceful, needs at least 12-15, even more if space permits. Floating plants to shade the light and bring out the brightest colour.

Essjay · Oct 13, 2022

The common name green fire tetra is also used for Aphyocharax rathbuni which is the one Byron referred to as being a terror.

Aphyocharax rathbuni (Green Fire Tetra)

Endemic to the Paraguay, Paraná and Uruguay river drainages in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. The smallest of the three Aphyocharax species seen in the hobby, the redflank is relatively uncommon in the hobby in the aquarium trade. It is also known as the Green Fire Tetra.

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