Compatibility brief
Can Neon Tetra live with Pictus catfish?
Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.
Neon Tetra + Pictus catfish: Pictus catfish may eat Neon Tetra. Pictus catfish (14cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
250L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 250L (larger active fish often want more length).
Pictus catfish (14cm adult) may treat small Neon Tetra (~4cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.
Assessment details
Compatible temperaments
Both Neon Tetra and Pictus catfish share a peaceful temperament.
Pictus catfish may eat Neon Tetra
Top issuePictus catfish (14cm) 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.
“Pictus catfish (14cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm) is…”
Pictus catfish 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.
- •Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- →Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 5 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.
- Seriously Fish. Paracheirodon innesi
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Paracheirodon innesi
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Paracheirodon innesi
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Seriously Fish. Pimelodus pictus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Pimelodus pictus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Pimelodus pictus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Neon Tetra + Pictus catfish
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.