Can koi live with neon tetras?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Koi and neon tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–77°Koi 59–77°Neon tetra 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7Koi 7–8.5Neon tetra 6–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Koi · 24 inNeon tetra · 1.5 in0"6"12"18"24"
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

KoiNeon tetra
Temperature59–77 °F72–79 °F
pH7–8.56–7
Adult size24.0 in1.5 in
Minimum tankPond10 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atAll levelsMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for koi

All koi tank mates

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can koi live with neon tetras?

Yes, with care. Koi and neon tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What temperature suits both koi and neon tetras?

72–77 °F. Koi need 59–77 °F, neon tetras need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do koi and neon tetras need together?

A pond. Koi outgrow indoor tanks.