Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni) Care Guide
An underrated South American tetra with a translucent green body that shimmers in good lighting and a vivid red-orange belly that intensifies with proper diet and water conditions.
Overview
Aphyocharax rathbuni is a species in the family Characidae. An underrated South American tetra with a translucent green body that shimmers in good lighting and a vivid red-orange belly that intensifies with proper diet and water conditions. Hardy, active, and easy to breed, it deserves more popularity in the hobby. Does best in well-planted tanks with open swimming space.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Aphyocharax
- Scientific name: Aphyocharax rathbuni
- Other names: Aphyocharax rathbuni, Rathbun's Bloodfin
- Origin: South America
Habitat
Native to the Río Paraguay basin of Paraguay and adjacent Brazil and Argentina. Inhabits clear and slightly turbid streams and floodplain margins. Mature males develop iridescent green flanks and red fin edges; a small, active shoaling characin.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 3-4 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Rasboras, Other Tetras, Dwarf Cichlids, Cherry Shrimp
- Avoid with: Large predatory fish, Very slow long-finned fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: beginner