Can Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Prionobrama filigera

Ocellatus Gold

Lamprologus ocellatus

🐠Family Group
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Characins
Ocellatus Gold
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Ocellatus Gold
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
22–28°C
Ocellatus Gold
24–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
6–7.8
Ocellatus Gold
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
2–20
Ocellatus Gold
10–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Ocellatus Gold
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Moderate
Ocellatus Gold
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
60 L
Ocellatus Gold
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
TopMiddle
Ocellatus Gold
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Ocellatus Gold
Territorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesShrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold?

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.

Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Ocellatus Gold
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Behaviour & Temperament

Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while Ocellatus Gold is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Ocellatus Gold may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Glass Bloodfin Tetra prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Ocellatus Gold occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Glass Bloodfin Tetra (6–7.8) and Ocellatus Gold (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 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.

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: Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). 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

Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold live together?

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

What size tank do Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold need?

A minimum of 60 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Glass Bloodfin Tetra or Ocellatus Gold aggressive?

Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and Ocellatus Gold is semi-aggressive (8/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Ocellatus Gold need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Glass Bloodfin Tetra prefers 6–7.8, while Ocellatus Gold needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Ocellatus Gold's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Ocellatus Gold 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
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