Can neon tetras live with bala sharks?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and bala sharks can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 13 inches a bala shark can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

Neon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7

Bala shark72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

Watch outAt 13 inches a bala shark can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
Watch outBala sharks grow to 13 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for neon tetras.

What works

Both are fine at 72–79°F.
pH 6.5–7 suits both.

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

	Neon tetra	Bala shark
Temperature	72–79 °F	72–82 °F
pH	6–7	6.5–7.5
Adult size	1.5 in	13.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	125 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Groups of 6+	Groups of 4+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with bala sharks?

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and bala sharks can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 13 inches a bala shark can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and bala sharks?

72–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and bala sharks need together?

At least 125 gal, set by the bala shark. Add space for each extra fish.