Species profile
Green Fire Tetra
Aphyocharax rathbuni
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
3–7.1 cm adult size
Mid–top
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Active South American shoaling tetra. Legacy behaviour text incorrectly described a bottom-dwelling catfish and has been replaced.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Mid–top
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.8
Active shoaler. Usually community-suitable but can be boisterous and may nip fins, so avoid slow long-finned tankmates and keep a proper group.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Aphyocharax rathbuni
Alternative names
Green Fire Tetra, Rathbun's Bloodfin Tetra, Redflank Bloodfin
Native range
Paraguay River basin of South America.
Natural habitat
Vegetated freshwater habitats including seasonally flooded areas. Provide open swimming space with plant cover and moderate circulation.
Diet & feeding
Small omnivore/invertivore; offer fine dry foods and varied small frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are deeper-bodied and more metallic/blue-green; males are slimmer and typically show stronger red fin colour.
Breeding
Egg-scattering characin with no parental care; use fine plants or spawning media and separate adults if breeding deliberately.