Best Fish to Keep With Neon Tetras

Corydoras are peaceful fish that are considered bottom-dwellers. This is important when considering fish that are compatible with neon tetras, since tetras are considered middle-swimmers, spending the majority of their time in the middle part of an aquarium. Corydoras are known for their calm and sociable demeanor. Both corydoras and neon tetras require similar water conditions of 71.6-78.8ºF (22-26ºC) and pH of 6.0-7.5.

Corydoras are ideal for community aquariums, as they pose no threat to neon tetras and help keep the substrate clean. Learn more about the diversity of these fish with our article sharing different types of corydoras catfish.

Another fish compatible with neon lights is the guppy, also known as rainbow fish or millionfish. They are small and peaceful like tetras themselves and prefer similar water conditions.

Guppies are active, but non-aggressive fish. This makes them ideal tanks mates for neon tetras. Their calm nature reduces the risk of conflicts. An aquarium of at least 40 liters is recommended for both species, with plants and hiding places to create a safe environment.

Did you know that neon tetras can also live well with other aquatic animals other than fish. Discover more with our article on the different fish that can live with cherry shrimp.

These fish are an excellent choice if your are looking for the best fish to keep with neon tetras. They measure around 5 cm and share similar water and temperature requirements. They are peaceful and gregarious fish that prefer to swim in schools. This is another characteristics common to neon tetras. A well-planted aquarium is one with several live plants and these are important for harlequin rasboras and tetras. They both need plenty of room to swim. You will need to keep harlequin rasboras in groups of at least six individuals.

There are different types of tetras, but all are part of the Characidae family. Different tetras may also live together in aquariums, but different species do not tend to school together. Despite this, the ember tetra is a sociable fish and one of the best to keep with neon tetras. They somewhat resemble different types of goldfish, but parts of their body can appear translucent in different lights.

Discover the fish which are compatible with goldfish in our related guide.

Hatchetfish are also peaceful and small, ideal for aquariums with neon tetras. They are calm fish that prefer to swim at the top of the aquarium, which reduces competition for space with neon tetras. As with the neon tetra, hatchetfish originate in the South American rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco. A well-planted aquarium with floating plants is ideal for both species. Keep hatchetfish in groups of at least six individuals to ensure they feel secure.

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In the wild, these fish are also known as Endler's livebearer, but are more commonly sold as Endler's guppies in the aquarium trade. They are small and peaceful, requiring similar fish tank conditions to neon tetras. They are active but non-aggressive fish and are ideal for community aquariums. An aquarium of at least 40 liters is recommended for both species, with plants and hiding places to ensure both feel safe.

Ram cichlids are also known as German blue rams, butterfly cichlids, Ramierzi and, simply, rams, among many other common names. They have a blue sheen on their scales and distinctive black spots on the sides of their body. However, there are also many different breeds of this fish which can present in an ever-growing range of colorations and patterns. Some large cichlids are not well suited to community aquariums, but the ram cichlid can live well with neon tetras.

It is not only the ram cichlid which has various breeds, so you can learn more with our guide to the different types of Siamese fighting fish.

Cardinal tetras are another characid that is able to live with neon tetras. Not only do they belong to the same family, but they have similar requirements when it comes to aquarium conditions. Their scales have a bright red and bright blue stripe, something very similar to the neon tetra. They can be distinguished by the fact the cardinal tetra's red stripe extends the entire length of their body, unlike the neon tetra.

Discover more of the different types of tetra fish.

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