
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Aphyocharax rathbuni
A small characin, red along the lower flank with a pale green cast above. It is the smallest of the three Aphyocharax species seen in the hobby and is not often available. It nips fins, so pair it with quick-moving tank mates.
Aphyocharax rathbuni is a small characin of the Paraguay, Parana and Uruguay drainages in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. FishBase gives the Paraguay basin, pH 6.0-7.5, hardness to 20 dH, 20-26C and 7.1cm SL, while Seriously Fish gives 4.5cm SL, 20-26C, pH 6.5-7.5, 2-20 dGH and a base of at least 60 by 30cm. The lower flank is flushed red and the back carries a pale green cast. It favours streams, rivers and tributaries shaded by floating or overhanging vegetation. It is the smallest of the three Aphyocharax species that reach the hobby and is not often on sale. It has a reputation as a fin nipper, so keep it away from long-finned or slow-moving fish. Breeding is not difficult, and a well-conditioned pair may produce as many as 500 eggs.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Green Fire Tetra lives 5-10 years.
The Green Fire Tetra grows to About 4.5cm (FishBase gives 7.1cm SL).
The ideal temperature for the Green Fire Tetra is 20〜26℃.
Origin
South America (the Paraguay, Parana and Uruguay drainages in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay)
Lifespan
5-10 years
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Size
About 4.5cm (FishBase gives 7.1cm SL)
Temperature
20〜26℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 30cm, about 54 litres at 30cm depth. It lives where floating or overhanging plants cast shade, so plant well to cut the light while leaving open water to swim in.
Seriously Fish gives 20-26C, pH 6.5-7.5 and 2-20 dGH; FishBase gives pH 6.0-7.5, hardness to 20 dH and 20-26C. It tolerates the cooler end, but hold it steady in the middle of the range for colour.
It has a reputation as a fin nipper, so keep it with quick-moving fish and avoid long-finned species. A proper group spreads the aggression among themselves, so introduce a decent number at once.
In the aquarium it is not fussy and takes most prepared foods. Offer live or frozen fare regularly to keep it in condition.
Use a separate tank with clumps of fine-leaved plants such as java moss; the eggs are adhesive and the plants shelter them while spawning continues. Filter with an air-driven sponge. Condition the adults in the main tank on plenty of bloodworm and brine shrimp, and holding the sexes apart ensures they spawn only in the breeding tank. Spawning usually begins within about twenty-four hours of the move, often first thing in the morning, and may run to 500 eggs. These hatch in two to three days and the fry swim four to five days later.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. Sources differ widely on its size, so allow margin when planning for the fish it will become. It is also scarce, which makes assembling a proper group harder.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Green Fire Tetra is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Green Fire Tetra is 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Green Fire Tetra typically reaches About 4.5cm (FishBase gives 7.1cm SL) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Green Fire Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Green Fire Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026