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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Jack Dempsey live with Black phantom tetra?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Jack Dempsey + Black phantom tetra: Aggression mismatch. Jack Dempsey is aggressive, while Black phantom tetra is peaceful. The aggressive fish will likely bully or harm the peaceful one. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

200L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 200L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2228°C shared
Jack DempseyBlack phantom tetraShared window
pH
Range6.57.5 shared
Jack DempseyBlack phantom tetraShared window
Size / predation

Jack Dempsey (25cm adult) may treat small Black phantom tetra (~3.5cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Temperament / behaviour

Jack Dempsey (aggressive) and Black phantom tetra (peaceful) are far apart on aggression — bullying or injury is a common outcome in average community layouts.

Assessment details

  1. Aggression mismatch

    Top issue

    Jack Dempsey is aggressive, while Black phantom tetra is peaceful. The aggressive fish will likely bully or harm the peaceful one.

  2. Jack Dempsey may eat Black phantom tetra

    Jack Dempsey (25cm) is predatory and Black phantom tetra (3.5cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

Jack Dempsey is aggressive, while Black phantom tetra is peaceful

Aggression mismatch

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Black phantom tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Black phantom tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Jack Dempsey + Black phantom tetra

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. 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. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.