Can black neon tetras live with tinfoil barbs?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Black neon tetras and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 12 inches a tinfoil barb can swallow a small black neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

Black neon tetraBlack neon tetra73–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5 Tinfoil barbTinfoil barb72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–80°Black neon tetra 73–81°Tinfoil barb 72–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Black neon tetra 5.5–7.5Tinfoil barb 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Black neon tetra · 1.5 inTinfoil barb · 12 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Black neon tetraTinfoil barb
Temperature73–81 °F72–80 °F
pH5.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size1.5 in12.0 in
Minimum tank15 gal125 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for black neon tetras

All black neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for tinfoil barbs

All tinfoil barb tank mates

Questions

Can black neon tetras live with tinfoil barbs?

Yes, with care. Black neon tetras and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 12 inches a tinfoil barb can swallow a small black neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

What temperature suits both black neon tetras and tinfoil barbs?

73–80 °F. Black neon tetras need 73–81 °F, tinfoil barbs need 72–80 °F.

What size tank do black neon tetras and tinfoil barbs need together?

At least 125 gal, set by the tinfoil barb. Add space for each extra fish.