Can red tail sharks live with lemon tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, red tail sharks and lemon tetras can live together. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Red tail sharkRed tail shark72–79°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: 72–79°Red tail shark 72–79°Lemon tetra 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Red tail shark 6.5–7.5Lemon tetra 5.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Red tail shark · 5 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

Red tail sharkLemon tetra
Temperature72–79 °F72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.55.5–7.5
Adult size5.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal15 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for red tail sharks

All red tail shark tank mates

Better tank mates for lemon tetras

All lemon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can red tail sharks live with lemon tetras?

Yes, red tail sharks and lemon tetras can live together. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both red tail sharks and lemon tetras?

72–79 °F. Red tail sharks need 72–79 °F, lemon tetras need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do red tail sharks and lemon tetras need together?

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