Can Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye 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

Red Eye Tetra

Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae

🐟Family Group
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Characins
Red Eye Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Red Eye Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
22–28°C
Red Eye Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
6–7.8
Red Eye Tetra
5.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
2–20
Red Eye Tetra
3–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Red Eye Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Moderate
Red Eye Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
60 L
Red Eye Tetra
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
TopMiddle
Red Eye Tetra
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Red Eye Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperFry PredatorPlant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye 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
Red Eye Tetra
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Behaviour & Temperament

Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while Red Eye Tetra is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Red Eye Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye 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 7.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 3–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye Tetra work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye Tetra.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye Tetra live together?

Yes. Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye 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 Red Eye 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 Red Eye 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 Red Eye Tetra aggressive?

Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and Red Eye Tetra is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Glass Bloodfin Tetra and Red Eye Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Red Eye Tetra nip Glass Bloodfin Tetra's fins?

Red Eye Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Glass Bloodfin Tetra has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Red Eye 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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