Compatibility brief
Can African freshwater butterflyfish live with Neon Tetra?
Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
150L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 150L (larger active fish often want more length).
African freshwater butterflyfish (about 10cm as an adult) can realistically eat Neon Tetra (about 4cm) once grown. Plan around adult sizes, not shop sizes.
Assessment details
Compatible temperaments
Both African freshwater butterflyfish and Neon Tetra share a peaceful temperament.
African freshwater butterflyfish may eat Neon Tetra
Top issueAfrican freshwater butterflyfish (10cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“African freshwater butterflyfish (10cm) is predatory and Neon…”
African freshwater butterflyfish may eat Neon Tetra
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
- Seriously Fish. Pantodon buchholzi
Supports: aquarium size, water chemistry, temperament and compatibility (primary care reference).
- FishBase. Pantodon buchholzi
Supports: taxonomy and wild maximum size — translate to tank stocking, not a target number.
- Wikipedia. Pantodon buchholzi
Supports: general species background and common-name orientation only.
- Seriously Fish. Paracheirodon innesi
Supports: aquarium size, water chemistry, temperament and compatibility (primary care reference).
- FishBase. Paracheirodon innesi
Supports: taxonomy and wild maximum size — translate to tank stocking, not a target number.
- Wikipedia. Paracheirodon innesi
Supports: general species background and common-name orientation only.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with African freshwater butterflyfish + Neon Tetra
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.