Can lemon tetras live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, lemon tetras and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 75–82°F. Plan on at least 15 gal.

Lemon tetraLemon tetra72–82°F · pH 5.5–7.5 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–82°Lemon tetra 72–82°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 5.5–7.5Lemon tetra 5.5–7.5Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Lemon tetra · 2 inPencilfish · 2 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
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

Lemon tetraPencilfish
Temperature72–82 °F75–82 °F
pH5.5–7.55–7.5
Adult size2.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank15 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for lemon tetras

All lemon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can lemon tetras live with pencilfish?

Yes, lemon tetras and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 75–82°F. Plan on at least 15 gal.

What temperature suits both lemon tetras and pencilfish?

75–82 °F. Lemon tetras need 72–82 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do lemon tetras and pencilfish need together?

At least 15 gal, set by the lemon tetra. Add space for each extra fish.