Green Neon Tetra: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank do green neon tetras need?

At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Paracheirodon simulans.

How many green neon tetras in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if green neon tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many green neon tetras
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	up to 11
20 gallon long	up to 22
29 gallon	up to 33
40 gallon breeder	up to 45
55 gallon	60 or more
75 gallon	60 or more
125 gallon	60 or more

Check green neon tetras against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Keep at least 8. Alone or in twos and threes, green neon tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.

Tank mates for green neon tetras

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Guppy: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat green neon tetra (about 1 in).
Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as green neon tetra.

Questions and answers

What size tank do green neon tetras need?

At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many green neon tetras should be kept together?

At least 8. Green neon tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can green neon tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?

Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 11 as the only fish in the tank.

What temperature do green neon tetras need?

75–84 °F (24–29 °C), with a pH of 4.5–6.5. In most homes that means a heater.

Can green neon tetras live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.