Can Dourada and Silvertip Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Dourada and Silvertip 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

Dourada

Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii

Silvertip Tetra

Hasemania nana

🐠Family Group
Dourada
Catfish
Silvertip Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Dourada
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Silvertip Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dourada
24–29°C
Silvertip Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dourada
6–7.5
Silvertip Tetra
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dourada
2–15
Silvertip Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dourada
Freshwater Only
Silvertip Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dourada
High
Silvertip Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 15000 L
Dourada
15000 L
Silvertip Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dourada
MiddleBottom
Silvertip Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dourada
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Plant Destroyer
Silvertip Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin Nipper
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dourada and Silvertip 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.

Dourada
Silvertip Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dourada is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Silvertip Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Dourada may occasionally assert dominance over Silvertip Tetra.

Dourada and Silvertip 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..

Worth noting: Dourada is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°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 2–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dourada and Silvertip Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dourada and Silvertip Tetra 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dourada and Silvertip Tetra live together?

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

What size tank do Dourada and Silvertip Tetra need?

A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Dourada and Silvertip Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dourada or Silvertip Tetra aggressive?

Dourada is moderately assertive (6/10) and Silvertip Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dourada and Silvertip 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 Silvertip Tetra nip Dourada's fins?

Silvertip Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Dourada has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Silvertip 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
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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