Can Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African 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 200 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Horned Nerite Snail

Clithon corona

Long-Finned African Tetra

Brycinus longipinnis

🐠Family Group
Horned Nerite Snail
Invertebrates
Long-Finned African Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Horned Nerite Snail
Peaceful (0/10)
Long-Finned African Tetra
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Horned Nerite Snail
22–28°C
Long-Finned African Tetra
22–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Horned Nerite Snail
7–8.5
Long-Finned African Tetra
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Horned Nerite Snail
8–20
Long-Finned African Tetra
5–19
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Horned Nerite Snail
Brackish Tolerant
Long-Finned African Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Horned Nerite Snail
Moderate
Long-Finned African Tetra
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Horned Nerite Snail
19 L
Long-Finned African Tetra
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Horned Nerite Snail
BottomMiddleTop
Long-Finned African Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Horned Nerite Snail
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)
Long-Finned African Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African 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.

Horned Nerite Snail
Long-Finned African Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Horned Nerite Snail is a peaceful species (0/10), while Long-Finned African Tetra is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Long-Finned African Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Horned Nerite Snail.

Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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: Horned Nerite Snail 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–19 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), 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

Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African 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 Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra live together?

Yes. Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra need?

A minimum of 200 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 Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Horned Nerite Snail or Long-Finned African Tetra aggressive?

Horned Nerite Snail is peaceful (0/10) and Long-Finned African Tetra is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Horned Nerite Snail and Long-Finned African Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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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