🐟 Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni)
A Shimmering, Iridescent Green Upper Body • A Fiery Red-Orange Belly Through the Anal Fin and Tail • An Active, Underrated Characin Worth a Closer Look
 
📋 The Green Fire Tetra, also known as Rathbun's Bloodfin Tetra or the Redflank Bloodfin Tetra, has a shimmering, iridescent green upper body that shifts with the angle of light, paired with a fiery red-orange lower half running from the belly through the anal fin and tail. Males show distinctive white tips on the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.
It comes from South America, across the Paraguay, Paraná, and Uruguay river basins in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, naturally inhabiting slow-flowing, well-vegetated tributaries. Every Green Fire Tetra we ship is feeding well.
This is a relatively uncommon species in the hobby, genuinely underrated given its striking colouration. It's hardy once properly settled, though it benefits from an unhurried acclimation rather than being rushed straight in. An active, lively swimmer, it's a touch more energetic than some calmer tetras and does best in a real school of 6-10 or more, which also helps spread out any occasional nippiness. Dark substrate helps its green iridescence stand out. It reaches up to 4.5cm, so a 60L tank suits a school well.
 
💡 Highlights
💚 Shimmering Green Body: An iridescent upper half that shifts with the light
🧡 Fiery Red-Orange Belly: A striking colour contrast through the tail
💎 Relatively Uncommon: An underrated find for collectors
⚡ Active Swimmer: A touch more energetic than some calmer tetras
👥 Best in a Real School: 6-10 or more for natural behaviour