Can an ember tetra live with neon tetras?
Edited by Marin Hale · last reviewed November 6, 2026
Yes.
Both are comfortable at 73–77°F.
Plan on a tank of at least 10 gallons for both.
By tank size
| 5 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal | 29 gal | 40 gal | 55 gal | 75 gal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Below 10 gallons there isn’t enough room for both, so the answer is no.
How to try it
Use a tank of at least 10 gallons, with a group of at least 6 ember tetras and a separate group of at least 6 neon tetras. Add plenty of plants so both groups have cover. Keep the water at 73–77°F, pH 6.0–7.0 and 1–11 dGH, which suits both species.
- Set the heater to a value between 73°F and 77°F and check the pH is within 6.0–7.0 before buying any fish.
- Add the plants and any hiding spots first, so the tank is ready when the fish go in.
- Acclimate each group slowly, then release the neons and embers on the same day. Neither group should get a head start on territory.
- Add all 6 or more of each species at once. Small groups tend to be shyer, and larger groups spread out and look calmer.
- Feed small portions for the first week and watch at feeding time. Embers are tiny at 0.9–1.0 in, and you want to see them getting food next to the 1.4 in neons.
Warning signs in the first weeks
- Torn or split fins, bite marks, wounds or missing scales on any fish. These are injuries, so act straight away.
- One fish being repeatedly chased, cornered or pinned, especially an ember tetra being pushed away from food or hiding in a corner. Brief flaring or a few chases in the first hours is normal.
- Ember tetras that stay hidden and do not come out to eat, or that look thinner than the neons after the first week.
- A group that breaks up and scatters, with individual fish isolated from the rest.
Backup plan: If you see any injury, or one fish is repeatedly chased, cornered or pinned, separate the fish immediately. Move the targeted fish, or one group, to a second tank or a tank divider, and do not wait to see if it settles. Once the fish are safe, check the temperature, pH and group sizes, and add more plants before trying again, or keep the two species apart for good.
How we reached this verdict
| Pass | Water temperature | Both are comfortable at 73–77°F. |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | pH | Both are comfortable at pH 6.0–7.0. |
| Pass | Water hardness | Both handle water hardness of 1–11 dGH. |
| Pass | Size and appetite | Neither is small enough to be eaten by the other. |
| Pass | Fins | No fin-nipping risk. |
| Pass | Temperament | Temperaments are compatible. |
Side by side
| Trait | Ember tetra | Neon tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates | 73–82°F (23–28°C) | 70–77°F (21–25°C) |
| pH | 5–7 | 6–7 |
| Adult size | 0.9–1 in | 1.4 in |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Smallest tank | 10 gallons (38 L) | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Keep at least | 6 together | 6 together |
| Swims | Top, middle, bottom | Middle |
Verdicts come from cross-checked species data and our compatibility rules. How verdicts work · Neon tetra care