Can rainbow sharks live with lemon tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, rainbow sharks and lemon tetras can live together. Both are fine at 72–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Lemon tetraLemon tetra72–82°F · pH 5.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–80°Rainbow shark 72–80°Lemon tetra 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Lemon tetra 5.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 6 inLemon tetra · 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

Rainbow sharkLemon tetra
Temperature72–80 °F72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.55.5–7.5
Adult size6.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal15 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for lemon tetras

All lemon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with lemon tetras?

Yes, rainbow sharks and lemon tetras can live together. Both are fine at 72–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and lemon tetras?

72–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, lemon tetras need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and lemon tetras need together?

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