Can neon tetras live with jack dempseys?

Verdict
No

No. Neon tetras and jack dempseys should not share a tank. An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches neon tetras do.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 Jack DempseyJack Dempsey72–86°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–79°Neon tetra 72–79°Jack Dempsey 72–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Neon tetra 6–7Jack Dempsey 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 inJack Dempsey · 10 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
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 tetraJack Dempsey
Temperature72–79 °F72–86 °F
pH6–76.5–7.5
Adult size1.5 in10.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal55 gal
TemperamentPeacefulAggressive
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for jack dempseys

All jack dempsey tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with jack dempseys?

No. Neon tetras and jack dempseys should not share a tank. An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches neon tetras do.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and jack dempseys?

72–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, jack dempseys need 72–86 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and jack dempseys need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the jack dempsey. Add space for each extra fish.