Can Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio Live Together?

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

Yes, Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio 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 75 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Red Eye Tetra

Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae

Zebra Danio

Danio rerio

🐠Family Group
Red Eye Tetra
Characins
Zebra Danio
Cyprinids
Temperament
Red Eye Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Zebra Danio
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Red Eye Tetra
22–28°C
Zebra Danio
18–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Red Eye Tetra
5.5–8.5
Zebra Danio
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Red Eye Tetra
3–20
Zebra Danio
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Red Eye Tetra
Freshwater Only
Zebra Danio
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Red Eye Tetra
Moderate
Zebra Danio
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Red Eye Tetra
75 L
Zebra Danio
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Red Eye Tetra
MiddleTop
Zebra Danio
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Red Eye Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperFry PredatorPlant Destroyer
Zebra Danio
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperJumper (Lid Required)Fry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio?

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.

Red Eye Tetra
Zebra Danio
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio 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.

Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio 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: Zebra Danio 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 6.5 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 5–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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

Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio 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 Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio live together?

Yes. Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio 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 Red Eye Tetra or Zebra Danio aggressive?

Red Eye Tetra is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Zebra Danio is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Red Eye Tetra and Zebra Danio need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Red Eye Tetra nip Zebra Danio's fins?

Red Eye Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Zebra Danio 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.

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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