List of Good Tank Mates for Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are vibrantly colorful fish ideal for beginner aquariums. Neons swim together in groups called schools or shoals. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase at least six to 10 neons to start. Swimming together keeps neons more content and makes a more brilliant show of their neon glow in your tank. When you are ready to add additional fish, you will need to search for good communal fish that are not too large.

  1. Community Fish

    • The neon tetra is a peaceful community fish. Other peaceful fish are compatible, but you need to keep size in mind. If your tetras are small, choose smaller versions of the other community fish just to keep predatory temptations low. A good community fish recommendation includes danios, which also swim in schools. Small zebra danios may be preferable to larger species. corydoras catfish are mild-tempered and nonaggressive. Suckermouth catfish such as the bristlenose are also recommended. Rainbow fish may also work well in the community tank. Regardless of the community fish species, choose a juvenile that will grow with the neons.

    Live Bearers

    • Fish who bear their young live tend to be gentle community fish. These include the colorful swordtails and platys, which area available in shades of yellow, orange, red and green. Mollies come in black, white and marbled shades. Guppies also bear live young and are available in a wide variety of color patterns and fancy tail variations. Live-bearing fish are compatible with the gentle neon tetras and they get along well together.

    Loaches and Barbs

    • Loaches tend to be bottom feeders and thus they leave the neon tetras alone. Barbs can be compatible if you start with small ones. Keep an eye on the barbs, however, as they can grow rapidly. If you notice your neons being bullied or picked on, you may need to move the barbs to a separate tank. A key to look for in a bullied neon tetra is torn fins. At the beginning of aggressive behavior, a larger fish may bite at and tear the fins and tails of smaller fish. Immediate intervention is needed.

    Other Tetras

    • Cardinal tetras get along well with neons, but they are more sensitive to impurities in the water. You will have to monitor your aquarium's nitrogen cycle carefully and use water changes to keep them happy and healthy. Larger tetras such as the Congo tetra and the Buenos Aries tetra may tend toward aggression. Black tetras may do well with neon tetras unless they are larger.

    Population Limits

    • As you collect fish for your tank, remember that the size of the tank limits the number of fish you can keep healthy. The more fish you add, the more ammonia is produced. This accelerates the production of nitrates and causes water problems. Keep a maximum in mind of one-fish-inch per gallon of water. For a 20 gallon aquarium, add up the lengths of your fish. Estimate the length, do not take the fish out and measure them. A three-inch fish is going to "take up" the same living space as three one-inch fish. If you have a school of 10 neon tetras and a school of 10 zebra danios, they should all be one inch long to fit within the tank. Your 20-gallon aquarium is maxed out in its ability to support the fish population. Make your fish community selections carefully so that you will have years of enjoyment from them.