Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Green Fire Tetra, also known as Rathbun’s Bloodfin Tetra or the Redflank Bloodfin Tetra, are endemic to a number of river drainages in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. A relatively hardy fish once acclimated to the proper environment, Green fire tetras are truly a gem of the hobby. Adult fish are an emerald green color, with a diagnostic red line that runs from the anal fin to the base of the caudal fin. Males can be slightly more colorful compared to females, especially during spawning. Less mature specimens, such as the ones typically sold, or ones that are not as comfortable in their environment, will appear more dull in color. These tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. Avoid tank mates with decorative or long fins, as this species has been observed to nip. An adult Green fire tetra can reach a size of approximately 2″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Green fire tetra are omnivores. Offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Green fire tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal. While this species may be offered as a “new aquarium” fish, Green fire tetra do best when added into a biologically stable aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped with a finer dark substrate, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements such as stacked rocks to bring out the beauty of this species and make them feel secure. Green fire tetra do prefer to be kept in a live planted aquarium, and they would also benefit from some floating plants to dim the lighting. Given their relatively peaceful temperament, Green fire tetra thrive best in an environment with like tank mates including other robust species of tetra. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
