Can neon tetras live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Chinese algae eaters grow to 10 inches and need 75 gallons, far more than a tank set up for neon tetras.

Neon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7

Chinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

Watch outChinese algae eaters grow to 10 inches and need 75 gallons, far more than a tank set up for neon tetras.

What works

Both are fine at 74–79°F.
pH 6–7 suits both.
They use different parts of the tank: neon tetras the mid, chinese algae eaters the bottom.

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	Chinese algae eater
Temperature	72–79 °F	74–80 °F
pH	6–7	6–8
Adult size	1.5 in	10.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	75 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Bottom
Group	Groups of 6+	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Herbivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Chinese algae eaters grow to 10 inches and need 75 gallons, far more than a tank set up for neon tetras.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and chinese algae eaters?

74–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.