Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Amazon Leaf Fish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

🐠Family Group
Amazon Leaf Fish
Other
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Amazon Leaf Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
23–29°C
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
5–6.8
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
0–8
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Freshwater Only
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Low
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Amazon Leaf Fish
75 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Amazon Leaf Fish
MiddleTop
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amazon Leaf Fish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Behaviour & Temperament

Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Amazon Leaf Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Glowlight Tetra.

Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 90 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Amazon Leaf Fish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Glowlight Tetra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra need?

A minimum of 90 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amazon Leaf Fish or Glowlight Tetra aggressive?

Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Glowlight Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 5.5–6.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Amazon Leaf Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Amazon Leaf Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Leaf Fish during evening hours.


Related Comparisons