Description
Aphyocharax rathbuni is also known as the green fire tetra, and after one glance at this fish you can easily see why. Their backs are a brilliant chartreuse green, while their bellies and fins are a fiery red color. The males also develop stark white fin tips on all of their fins, further adding to the illusion of the fire spreading from their fins. When fully displaying, the males of this nano fish will splay their fins fully, dancing around each other in irregular patterns, thus completing the flame look. This is easily the prettiest fish of its genus, with other Aphyocharax species having the same or similar fins, but very drab bodies that are a sort of silvery blue or grey.
In the wild the green fire tetra is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, all in blackwater areas of the amazon river. These fish really appreciate soft and acidic water, but are known to thrive in medium hard water up to around 400ppm, and are tolerant of high pH into slightly basic zones. These fish are collected towards the southern end of South America, so they are quite tolerant of lower temperatures, especially as far as tetras tend to be. They are also quite capable swimmers, coming from areas that have constant moderate flow, and can be known to nip some fins of more diminutive tankmates. However, they are not aggressive, and as long as you choose some fish that are capable of keeping up with their pace and not getting outcompeted for food, these fish are a great addition to your community tank.
These fish enjoy a densely planted tank which allows them to zip in and out of the plants as they please. In this sort of environment they will display their most natural behavior. You should also have a group of at least six or so, to allow them to spar with each other and have company. If you are tired of keeping neon tetras, maybe give these a go to freshen the color palette, and get a slightly different behavior! As adults they are about the same size, but these guys will be a more active spectacle to behold. Ours are currently a bit over an inch, and you can expect them to nearly double in length when they mature.
Ensure that your filter is well cycled before you add these green fire tetras into your tank, as they are active swimmers and active eaters, so you definitely want a prepared tank. These shoaling fish do not ship individually bagged.
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