Can Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby 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 132 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Blind Cave Tetra

Astyanax mexicanus

Neon Blue Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

🐠Family Group
Blind Cave Tetra
Characins
Neon Blue Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Blind Cave Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Neon Blue Goby
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
20–25°C
Neon Blue Goby
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
6.5–8
Neon Blue Goby
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
8–20
Neon Blue Goby
4–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
Freshwater Only
Neon Blue Goby
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
Moderate
Neon Blue Goby
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Blind Cave Tetra
110 L
Neon Blue Goby
57 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blind Cave Tetra
MiddleBottom
Neon Blue Goby
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blind Cave Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Neon Blue Goby
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes

Behaviour & Temperament

Blind Cave Tetra is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Neon Blue Goby is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Blind Cave Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Blue Goby.

Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°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 8–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Sand (Sifters). 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.

Find the right tank equipment

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby live together?

Yes. Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby need?

A minimum of 132 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 25°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Blind Cave Tetra or Neon Blue Goby aggressive?

Blind Cave Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Neon Blue Goby is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Blind Cave Tetra and Neon Blue Goby 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 Blind Cave Tetra nip Neon Blue Goby's fins?

Blind Cave Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Neon Blue Goby has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Blind Cave Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Neon Blue Goby's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neon Blue Goby space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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