Can neon tetras live with otocinclus?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Neon tetras and otocinclus make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 OtocinclusOtocinclus72–79°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

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

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 inOtocinclus · 2 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 tetraOtocinclus
Temperature72–79 °F72–79 °F
pH6–76–7.5
Adult size1.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for otocinclus

All otocinclus tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with otocinclus?

Yes. Neon tetras and otocinclus make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and otocinclus?

72–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, otocinclus need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and otocinclus need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the otocinclus. Add space for each extra fish.