Can Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara Live Together?

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

Yes, Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara 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 250 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Glowlight Danio

Danio choprae

Threadfin Acara

Acarichthys heckelii

🐠Family Group
Glowlight Danio
Cyprinids
Threadfin Acara
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Glowlight Danio
Peaceful (2/10)
Threadfin Acara
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
20–26°C
Threadfin Acara
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
6–7.5
Threadfin Acara
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
2–15
Threadfin Acara
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
Freshwater Only
Threadfin Acara
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
Moderate
Threadfin Acara
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 250 L
Glowlight Danio
60 L
Threadfin Acara
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Glowlight Danio
TopMiddle
Threadfin Acara
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glowlight Danio
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Threadfin Acara
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara?

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.

Glowlight Danio
Threadfin Acara
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Behaviour & Temperament

Glowlight Danio is a peaceful species (2/10), while Threadfin Acara is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Threadfin Acara may occasionally assert dominance over Glowlight Danio.

Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara 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.

Worth noting: Glowlight Danio 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 26°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 2–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara together, plan for an aquarium of at least 250 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Driftwood (Digestion/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 Works in Practice

Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara 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 Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara.

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara live together?

Yes. Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara need?

A minimum of 250 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Glowlight Danio or Threadfin Acara aggressive?

Glowlight Danio is peaceful (2/10) and Threadfin Acara is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Glowlight Danio and Threadfin Acara 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.

How do I manage Threadfin Acara's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Threadfin Acara 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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