Best Neon Tetra Tank Mates: Compatible Species

Neon tetras reward soft, acidic stability and sizeable runs for schools—never treat them as fillers for predator tanks.

Compatible species

• Corydoras — peaceful bottom strata.
• Harlequin rasbora — calm mid-water schools.
• Dwarf gourami — confirm flow tolerance.
• Cherry barb — gentle barb contrast.
• Platy — only if chemistry suits both.
• Molly — harder water—often skip mixing extremes.
• Otocinclus — algae crew once tank mature.
• Amano shrimp — robust cleaners.
• Bristlenose pleco — verify temperature overlap.

Fish to avoid

• Adult angelfish — predation risk.
• Tiger barbs — fin nipping.
• Bettas — personality roulette in small volumes.
• Large cichlids — obvious mismatch.

Related guides

• Species index
• Water parameters
• All guides