Can goldfish live with neon tetras?

Verdict

No. Goldfish and neon tetras should not share a tank. Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.

Goldfish60–74°F · pH 7–8

Neon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7

What to watch

Deal breakerGoldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.
Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.
Watch outAt 10 inches a goldfish can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Goldfish	Neon tetra
Temperature	60–74 °F	72–79 °F
pH	7–8	6–7
Adult size	10.0 in	1.5 in
Minimum tank	40 gal	10 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	All levels	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 6+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for goldfish

All goldfish tank mates

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can goldfish live with neon tetras?

No. Goldfish and neon tetras should not share a tank. Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.

What temperature suits both goldfish and neon tetras?

72–74 °F. Goldfish need 60–74 °F, neon tetras need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do goldfish and neon tetras need together?

At least 40 gal, set by the goldfish. Add space for each extra fish.