Can Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye Tetra Live Together?
Yes, Neon Blue Cichlid 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 150 litres is recommended.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Neon Blue Cichlid 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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Both Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye Tetra are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 3/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye 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.
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.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 8 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye 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. 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
Neon Blue Cichlid 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 Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye 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 Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye Tetra live together?
Yes. Neon Blue Cichlid 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 Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye 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 Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye Tetra 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 Neon Blue Cichlid or Red Eye Tetra aggressive?
Neon Blue Cichlid is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Red Eye Tetra is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Neon Blue Cichlid and Red Eye Tetra need?
Both species overlap in the 8–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Red Eye Tetra nip Neon Blue Cichlid's fins?
Red Eye Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Neon Blue Cichlid 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.
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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?
- Contact the editorial team
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