Can Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra Live Together?
Keeping Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 75 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Australian Smelt and Penguin 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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Australian Smelt is a peaceful species (1/10), while Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Penguin Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Australian Smelt.
Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra both frequent the Top (Surface) and 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Australian Smelt is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - lighly covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, 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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 75 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra need?
A minimum of 75 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 Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Australian Smelt or Penguin Tetra aggressive?
Australian Smelt is peaceful (1/10) and Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Australian Smelt and Penguin Tetra need?
Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Penguin Tetra nip Australian Smelt's fins?
Penguin Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Australian Smelt has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Penguin Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
Related Comparisons
Australian Smelt & Flyspeck Hardyhead
·
Australian Smelt & Amazon Leaf Fish
·
Australian Smelt & African Dwarf Frog
·
Australian Smelt & Banded Chromide
·
Australian Smelt & Celebes Rainbowfish
·
Australian Smelt & Largemouth Bass
·
Penguin Tetra & Black Neon Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Congo Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Silver Dollar
·
Penguin Tetra & Beckford's Pencilfish
·
Penguin Tetra & Black Pacu
·
Penguin Tetra & Black Skirt Tetra
·