Compatibility brief
Can Neon Tetra live with Severum?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: low
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
250L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 250L (larger active fish often want more length).
Temperament gap (peaceful vs semi-aggressive) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Top issueSeverum is semi-aggressive, while Neon Tetra is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Narrow temperature overlap
Neon Tetra and Severum have only a narrow shared temperature range. Maintaining stable water temperature will be important.
“Severum is semi-aggressive, while Neon Tetra is peaceful”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Neon Tetra can escape if harassed.
- •Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- 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. Heros efasciatus (striped / gold ‘severum’ in trade, primary care proxy)
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and community context for a Heros sp. with strong hobby coverage. Most tank-bred 'severums' in shops are this species or man-made colour lines close to it; compare with a true Heros severus (below) for breeding biology and colour.
- Practical Fishkeeping. Frequently asked questions on South American cichlids
Primary: editorial Q&A on South American cichlid communities; mentions severums in mixed-tank and compatibility thinking. Still not a one-page Heros severus monograph.
- FishBase. Heros severus
Secondary: formal species account for the binomial used in this record; the trade and Singapore farm lines often do not match wild-type severus, so this is a taxonomy anchor, not a guarantee your fish is a pure H. severus.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Neon Tetra + Severum
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: medium. Driven by the lower-confidence profile (Severum): Typical care sources — trade names for this fish get mixed up, so verify the ID before you buy.