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X-ray tetra tank mates

The x-ray tetra's strength is indifference to your tap: it takes moderate hardness and a wide pH that leave fussier tetras sulking. A school of eight in a 60L is one of the most dependable small-fish purchases in the shop.

Common mistakeBuying four x-ray tetras because the bag looked full is how keepers miss the species. They school so tightly in larger groups that the transparent bodies read as one moving pattern; four fish just look sparse and nervous. Plan for six or more in roughly 60 litres with broken sight lines. Under-stocking is the mistake that makes a tough tetra look like a failed neon replacement.

Evidence: partially verified
Confidence: high

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

← Full X-ray tetra profile·Compatibility checker·Tank builder·More tetra

Usually safer companions

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

  • Chili RasboraPair check

    The X-ray tetra profile lists Chili Rasbora as a safe tank mate. Chili Rasbora schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.

  • Dwarf GouramiPair check

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

  • Harlequin RasboraPair check

    The X-ray 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 X-ray 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 X-ray 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.

  • Sparkling GouramiPair check

    The X-ray tetra profile lists Sparkling Gourami as a safe tank mate. Sparkling Gourami 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 X-ray tetra at 4.5cm is inside that gape range. Angelfish is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at X-ray 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 X-ray 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 as a fin-nipper and X-ray tetra carries the long-finned risk profile (veil tails, trailing fins). Expect torn fins within days unless the nipper is in a proper group and the long-finned fish has plenty of cover. 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 X-ray tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.

Fish to avoid with X-ray tetra

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

  • African CichlidSee why (pair)

    African Cichlid reaches 15cm and is flagged predatory. X-ray tetra at 4.5cm is prey-sized for it. African Cichlid needs at least 200L, far above the 60L minimum for X-ray tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. African Cichlid is rated aggressive and X-ray tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

  • Green TerrorSee why (pair)

    Green Terror reaches 30cm and is flagged predatory. X-ray tetra at 4.5cm is prey-sized for it. Green Terror needs at least 300L, far above the 60L minimum for X-ray tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Green Terror is rated aggressive and X-ray tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

  • Jack DempseySee why (pair)

    Jack Dempsey reaches 25cm and is flagged predatory. X-ray tetra at 4.5cm is prey-sized for it. Jack Dempsey needs at least 200L, far above the 60L minimum for X-ray tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Jack Dempsey is rated aggressive and X-ray tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

  • OscarSee why (pair)

    Oscar reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory. X-ray tetra at 4.5cm is prey-sized for it. Oscar needs at least 300L, far above the 60L minimum for X-ray tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Oscar is rated aggressive and X-ray tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.

Tank size and groups

  • Published minimum for X-ray 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 X-ray 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 X-ray tetra needs a filter rated for at least 240L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 22–28°C.

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

Similar fish (same category)

Related (care + temperament)

X-ray tetra tank mates — quick answers

What fish can live with X-ray tetra?
Usually safer companions on this hub include Chili Rasbora, Dwarf Gourami, Ember Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Neon Tetra, Pygmy Corydoras. Open each pair check before you buy — the list is a shortlist, not a guarantee.
What tank mates should you avoid with X-ray tetra?
Avoid African Cichlid, Green Terror, Jack Dempsey, Oscar based on size, temperament, or predation risk on this profile.
What size tank do X-ray 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.