Can severums live with black neon tetras?

Verdict

Yes, with care

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

Severum74–84°F · pH 6–7

Black neon tetra73–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5

What to watch

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

What works

Both are fine at 74–81°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

	Severum	Black neon tetra
Temperature	74–84 °F	73–81 °F
pH	6–7	5.5–7.5
Adult size	8.0 in	1.5 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	15 gal
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Peaceful
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 6+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for severums

All severum tank mates

Better tank mates for black neon tetras

All black neon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can severums live with black neon tetras?

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

What temperature suits both severums and black neon tetras?

74–81 °F. Severums need 74–84 °F, black neon tetras need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do severums and black neon tetras need together?

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