Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size1.5"
Minimum tank10 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group6+
- temperature72-78F
- pH6-7.5
- water_hardnessGH 1-10 dGH | KH 1-6 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilitybeginner
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Neon Tetra, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the middle zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesSmall schooling tetra; happiest in a tight group in a mature, stable tropical community tank.
- caveatKeep a group of 6 or more; smaller groups stress and color out.
- caveatAdd only to a fully cycled, stable tropical tank; neons are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and parameter swings.
- caveatAvoid pairing with large predatory or mouth-sized tankmates (angelfish, large cichlids, gouramis) that can eat them.
- caveatAvoid known fin-nippers and very active or boisterous species that would chase or stress the school.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Cherry Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ghost Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Crystal Red Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Blue Dream Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Orange Sakura Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Black Rose Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
Common pair questions
- Can Neon Tetra live with betta?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Neon Tetra live with angelfish?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Neon Tetra live with common goldfish?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Neon Tetra live with oscar?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Neon Tetra live with bala shark?Pair checker with reason codes