Can neon tetras live with fancy goldfish?

Verdict

No. Neon tetras and fancy goldfish should not share a tank. Fancy goldfish are coldwater animals (65–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.

Neon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7

Fancy goldfish65–74°F · pH 7–8

What to watch

Deal breakerFancy goldfish are coldwater animals (65–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.
Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.
Watch outA grown fancy goldfish may treat small neon tetras as food, especially at night.

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	Fancy goldfish
Temperature	72–79 °F	65–74 °F
pH	6–7	7–8
Adult size	1.5 in	6.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	Middle	All levels
Group	Groups of 6+	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for fancy goldfish

All fancy goldfish tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with fancy goldfish?

No. Neon tetras and fancy goldfish should not share a tank. Fancy goldfish are coldwater animals (65–74°F); neon tetras need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and fancy goldfish?

72–74 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, fancy goldfish need 65–74 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and fancy goldfish need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the fancy goldfish. Add space for each extra fish.