Green Fire Tetra

Aphyocharax rathbuni

Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Tetra & Characin. Minimum tank in the app: 15.9 US gal min; aim for 72–82°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.

Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size15.9 US gal min
pH range6–7.5
Temperature72–82°F
Max size1.4 in (3.5 cm)
Captive lifespan3–6 years
SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Green Fire Tetra Tank Setup

Plan for at least 15.9 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 72–82°F and pH 6–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Green Fire Tetras Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Green Fire Tetra Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Peaceful. Red and green tetra. Keep in groups of 6+. Peaceful community fish. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Green Fire Tetras Good for Beginners?

Often a sensible first fish once the tank is cycled and you are willing to test water sometimes. Skip the impulse buy on the same day you set up the tank.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.