Can Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra Live Together?
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra 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
Can your tank handle Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Neolamprologus Tretocephalus may occasionally assert dominance over Penguin Tetra.
Large aggression gap (6 points) between Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra 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: Penguin Tetra 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Neolamprologus Tretocephalus (8–9) and Penguin Tetra (5.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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 Usually Fails in Practice
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra 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 Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra need?
A minimum of 150 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Neolamprologus Tretocephalus or Penguin Tetra aggressive?
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Penguin Tetra need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Neolamprologus Tretocephalus prefers 8–9, while Penguin Tetra needs 5.5–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Will Penguin Tetra nip Neolamprologus Tretocephalus's fins?
Penguin Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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.
How do I manage Neolamprologus Tretocephalus's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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.
Shared setup supplies
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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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