Can neon tetras live with severums?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and severums can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 8 inches a severum can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

Neon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7

Severum74–84°F · pH 6–7

What to watch

Watch outAt 8 inches a severum can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

What works

Both are fine at 74–79°F.
pH 6–7 suits both.

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	Severum
Temperature	72–79 °F	74–84 °F
pH	6–7	6–7
Adult size	1.5 in	8.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	55 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Middle
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 severums

All severum tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with severums?

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and severums can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 8 inches a severum can swallow a small neon tetra. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and severums?

74–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, severums need 74–84 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and severums need together?

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