Green fire tetra - Aphyocharax rathbuni

Scientific name: Aphyocharax rathbuni

Common name: Green fire tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 20°N (142.86 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Green fire tetras will accept all foods offered. Provide them with quality flake and treat occasionally with brine shrimp and blood worm.

Origin

South America; Green fire tetra is to be found in the Rio Paraguay.

Sexing

Males will display white tips on their fins. Females will have fuller bodies when in spawning mode.

Breeding

No lighting should be added to the breeding tank, fine leaved plants will act as sites for depositing the eggs. Condition the adults with live foods and spawning should take place at day break. The eggs will hatch in 2-3 days and the fry should be free swimming 5-6 days after that. Initially feed the fry on Infusoria and as they grow feed them on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Green fire tetra is 3-6 years.

Short description

As with most tetras, Aphyocharax rathbuni need to be kept in small groups of at least 6 fish. They are tolerant of water parameters, happiest in acidic water but they will live in alkaline conditions. Subdued lighting and open swimming spaces are ideal for Green fire tetras. Add plants to the tank to provide hiding places for them.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.