Can Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Blind Cave Tetra

Astyanax mexicanus

Scat (Brackish)

Scatophagus argus

🐠Family Group
Blind Cave Tetra
Characins
Scat (Brackish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Blind Cave Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Scat (Brackish)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
20–25°C
Scat (Brackish)
20–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
6.5–8
Scat (Brackish)
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
8–20
Scat (Brackish)
12–30
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Blind Cave Tetra
Freshwater Only
Scat (Brackish)
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
Moderate
Scat (Brackish)
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Blind Cave Tetra
110 L
Scat (Brackish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Blind Cave Tetra
MiddleBottom
Scat (Brackish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blind Cave Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Scat (Brackish)
Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fin Nipper
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish)?

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.

Blind Cave Tetra
Scat (Brackish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 4/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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 20°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Scat (Brackish) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 25°C. A target of around 22.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Blind Cave Tetra or Scat (Brackish) aggressive?

Blind Cave Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Scat (Brackish) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Blind Cave Tetra and Scat (Brackish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Blind Cave Tetra nip Scat (Brackish)'s fins?

Blind Cave Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Scat (Brackish) 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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