Can neon tetras live with bristlenose plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Neon tetras and bristlenose plecos get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco73–81°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Neon tetra 72–79°Bristlenose pleco 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Neon tetra 6–7Bristlenose pleco 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 inBristlenose pleco · 5 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

Neon tetraBristlenose pleco
Temperature72–79 °F73–81 °F
pH6–76.5–7.5
Adult size1.5 in5.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with bristlenose plecos?

Yes. Neon tetras and bristlenose plecos get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and bristlenose plecos?

73–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and bristlenose plecos need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.