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Bloodfin tetra tank mates

A hardy silver-bodied tetra with blood-red fins. Tolerant of a wide temperature range, peaceful, and works in most community setups.

Common mistakeBuying three bloodfins for a splash of red is how the display never arrives. The fin colour and schooling need eight or more; a trio scatters and looks unfinished. Start with a real school and open midwater, or pick a different accent fish.

Evidence: partially verified
Confidence: high

Each name below opens a pair check with Bloodfin tetra. That check is the decision, not the list itself.

← Full Bloodfin tetra profile·Compatibility checker·Tank builder·More tetra

Usually safer companions

Conservative shortlist from this profile. Open a pair page before you buy.

  • Cherry BarbPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Cherry Barb as a safe tank mate. Cherry Barb schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

  • Dwarf GouramiPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Dwarf Gourami as a recommended pairing. Dwarf Gourami is a peaceful beginner-care species with a 60L minimum. Run the pair checker for your specific tank before stocking.

  • Ember TetraPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Ember Tetra as a recommended pairing. Ember Tetra schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

  • Glowlight TetraPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Glowlight Tetra as a safe tank mate. Glowlight Tetra schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

  • Harlequin RasboraPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Harlequin Rasbora as a recommended pairing. Harlequin Rasbora schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

  • Neon TetraPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Neon Tetra as a recommended pairing. Neon Tetra schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

  • Pygmy CorydorasPair check

    The Bloodfin tetra profile lists Pygmy Corydoras as a safe tank mate. Pygmy Corydoras schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

Risky or situational

May work with more water, a mature system, or a species-only setup. Read the pair page before you experiment.

  • AngelfishOpen pair check

    Angelfish reaches 20cm and is flagged predatory or as likely to eat small fish. Adult-size Bloodfin tetra at 5cm is inside that gape range. Angelfish is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Bloodfin tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.

  • BettaOpen pair check

    Betta is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Bloodfin tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.

  • Corydoras CatfishOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

  • German Blue RamOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

  • Pea PufferOpen pair check

    Pea Puffer is flagged predatory. Equal-size adults usually coexist, but the moment one is stressed, sick, or smaller after a moult, it becomes prey. Pea Puffer is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Bloodfin tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.

  • Tiger BarbOpen pair check

    Tiger Barb is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Bloodfin tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.

Fish to avoid with Bloodfin tetra

Predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile. Treat these as poor default mixes.

  • Green TerrorSee why (pair)

    Green Terror reaches 30cm and is flagged predatory. Bloodfin tetra at 5cm is prey-sized for it. Green Terror needs at least 300L, far above the 60L minimum for Bloodfin tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Green Terror is rated aggressive and Bloodfin tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

  • Jack DempseySee why (pair)

    Jack Dempsey reaches 25cm and is flagged predatory. Bloodfin tetra at 5cm is prey-sized for it. Jack Dempsey needs at least 200L, far above the 60L minimum for Bloodfin tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Jack Dempsey is rated aggressive and Bloodfin tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

  • OscarSee why (pair)

    Oscar reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory. Bloodfin tetra at 5cm is prey-sized for it. Oscar needs at least 300L, far above the 60L minimum for Bloodfin tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Oscar is rated aggressive and Bloodfin tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

Tank size and groups

  • Published minimum for Bloodfin tetra: 60L. Group minimum 6 (schooling).
  • Compatibility changes when the tank is too short for turning, too little for a real school, or too warm for one species and not the other. That is why pair checks include tank context, not only temperament.
  • Nearest litre hub to this minimum: 60L hub.

Plan before you buy

Start a pair check with Bloodfin tetra, or open a starter plan with the top safer companions in the builder.

Open pair checkerOpen this plan in builder

Tank hubs: 60L

Related reading

Guides that list other fish with the same trait, so you can plan around the group rather than one row.

Filtration & heating

A 60L minimum tank for Bloodfin tetra needs a filter rated for at least 240L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 20–28°C.

Filter size guide →Heater size guide →Tank setup checklist →Beginner plants guide →

Similar fish (same category)

Related (care + temperament)

Bloodfin tetra tank mates — quick answers

What fish can live with Bloodfin tetra?
Usually safer companions on this hub include Cherry Barb, Dwarf Gourami, Ember Tetra, Glowlight Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Neon Tetra. Open each pair check before you buy — the list is a shortlist, not a guarantee.
What tank mates should you avoid with Bloodfin tetra?
Avoid Green Terror, Jack Dempsey, Oscar based on size, temperament, or predation risk on this profile.
What size tank do Bloodfin tetra need for a community?
60L is the planning floor for adult swimming space and bioload. A 73L+ tank is the more comfortable long-term footprint. Length and depth matter as much as raw litres for active or territorial fish.