Can Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin Tetra Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin Tetra 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 75 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Prionobrama filigera

Penguin Tetra

Thayeria boehlkei

🐟Family Group
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Characins
Penguin Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Penguin Tetra
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
22–28°C
Penguin Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
6–7.8
Penguin Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
2–20
Penguin Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Penguin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Moderate
Penguin Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
60 L
Penguin Tetra
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
TopMiddle
Penguin Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Penguin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fin Nipper
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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.

Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Penguin Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Penguin Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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.

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 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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.

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, Plants - Densely covered. 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin Tetra.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin Tetra live together?

Yes. Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Glass Bloodfin Tetra or Penguin Tetra aggressive?

Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Penguin 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 Penguin Tetra nip Glass Bloodfin Tetra's fins?

Penguin Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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.


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