Can Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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

Green Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon simulans

Least Killifish (Heterandria)

Heterandria formosa

🐠Family Group
Green Neon Tetra
Characins
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Livebearers
Temperament
Green Neon Tetra
Peaceful (0/10)
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Green Neon Tetra
24–29°C
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
18–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Green Neon Tetra
4.5–6.5
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Green Neon Tetra
1–8
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Green Neon Tetra
Freshwater Only
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Green Neon Tetra
Low
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 38 L
Green Neon Tetra
38 L
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Green Neon Tetra
Middle
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
TopMiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Green Neon Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria)?

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.

Green Neon Tetra
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Green Neon Tetra is a peaceful species (0/10), while Least Killifish (Heterandria) is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Least Killifish (Heterandria) may occasionally assert dominance over Green Neon Tetra.

Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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.

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 Green Neon Tetra (4.5–6.5) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) (7–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria).

Show 22 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) live together?

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

What size tank do Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) need?

A minimum of 38 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 Green Neon Tetra or Least Killifish (Heterandria) aggressive?

Green Neon Tetra is peaceful (0/10) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Green Neon Tetra and Least Killifish (Heterandria) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Green Neon Tetra prefers 4.5–6.5, while Least Killifish (Heterandria) needs 7–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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