Can Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 80 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Amazon Puffer

Colomesus asellus

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Prionobrama filigera

🐠Family Group
Amazon Puffer
Puffers
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Amazon Puffer
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
22–28°C
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
5.5–7.5
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
6–7.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
4–15
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
2–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
Freshwater Only
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
Moderate
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 80 L
Amazon Puffer
80 L
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Amazon Puffer
MiddleBottomTop
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amazon Puffer
Snail EaterFin NipperHyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterNocturnal
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Amazon Puffer
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amazon Puffer is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Amazon Puffer may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

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

Worth noting: Amazon Puffer is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Amazon Puffer is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 litres with a minimum length of 75 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Show 14 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra live together?

Yes. Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?

A minimum of 80 litres (tank length at least 75 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 Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amazon Puffer or Glass Bloodfin Tetra aggressive?

Amazon Puffer is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Amazon Puffer and Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Amazon Puffer nip Glass Bloodfin Tetra's fins?

Amazon Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Glass Bloodfin Tetra has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Amazon Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

Does Amazon Puffer being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Amazon Puffer 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 Puffer during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
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