Compatibility brief
Can Neon Tetra live with Red-tailed catfish?
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.
2000L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 2000L (larger active fish often want more length).
Red-tailed catfish (about 120cm as an adult) can realistically eat Neon Tetra (about 4cm) once grown. Plan around adult sizes, not shop sizes.
Neon Tetra (peaceful) and Red-tailed catfish (aggressive) are far apart on aggression — bullying or injury is a common outcome in average community layouts.
Assessment details
Aggression mismatch
Top issueRed-tailed catfish is aggressive, while Neon Tetra is peaceful. The aggressive fish will likely bully or harm the peaceful one.
Red-tailed catfish may eat Neon Tetra
Red-tailed catfish (120cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.
Narrow temperature overlap
Neon Tetra and Red-tailed catfish have only a narrow shared temperature range. Maintaining stable water temperature will be important.
“Red-tailed catfish is aggressive, while Neon Tetra is peaceful”
Aggression mismatch
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.
- •Red-tailed catfish reaches ~120cm: tank length and turning room matter more than the litre number. A tall, short tank of the same volume is not equivalent.
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. 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.
- Seriously Fish. Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
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 + Red-tailed catfish
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.