Can axolotls live with ember tetras?
Verdict
No
No. Axolotls and ember tetras should not share a tank. Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); ember tetras need 73–84°F. No temperature suits both.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAxolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); ember tetras need 73–84°F. No temperature suits both.
- Deal breakerAt 10 inches an axolotl can swallow a 0.8-inch ember tetra whole.
- Deal breakerFish nibble at axolotl gills, and axolotls swallow small fish. Keep axolotls on their own.
What works
- pH 6.5–7 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: axolotls the bottom, ember tetras the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Axolotl | Ember tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 60–66 °F | 73–84 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 5.5–7 |
| Adult size | 10.0 in | 0.8 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 5 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for ember tetras
Questions
Can axolotls live with ember tetras?
No. Axolotls and ember tetras should not share a tank. Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); ember tetras need 73–84°F. No temperature suits both.
What temperature suits both axolotls and ember tetras?
None. Axolotls need 60–66 °F and ember tetras need 73–84 °F, so the ranges do not meet.
What size tank do axolotls and ember tetras need together?
At least 20 gal, set by the axolotl. Add space for each extra fish.







