Can You Keep Neon Tetras With Danios: Compatibility Factors

Many people have questions about what fish can be kept together in a tank. In this blog post, we will explore the compatibility of neon tetras and danios.

Neon tetras can be kept with danios. They are both peaceful fish and will get along fine. Neon tetras are freshwater fish that you can keep with danios in a community tank. They make excellent companions for the hardy danios. Neon tetras and most danios are omnivorous species and they eat plants, algae, insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

Compatibility Factors of Neon Tetras and Danios

Small danio rerio fish and neon corals swimming in pond nature garden

Habitat and Water Conditions

Neon tetras and danios may get along fine with a tank of similar water chemistry, temperature, pH level, and hardness. However, modifications in their behavior have been noted under some specific conditions. Neon tetras prefer cooler aquarium temperatures compared to the warmer temperature preferred by danios, but they can meet halfway given the fact that neon tetras survive in temperature between 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 24 degrees Celsius) while zebra danios will thrive in temperature around 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 25 degrees Celsius).

When it comes to pH levels, zebra danios can survive between 7.0 to 7.8 and while neon tetras prefer a pH level of just 6.5, they can still survive between 6.8 to 7.8. Be careful that you only change one parameter at a time when poly tuning your fish collection together.

Aquarium Size

Neon tetras can live in smaller aquariums than zebra danios. However, they do best in 10-gallon tanks or larger. Danios may be able to survive in a 5-gallon tank, but they will not feel as comfortable or thrive as well as they would in a bigger tank. In addition, the danios’ fins will not be as visible in the smaller tank, which might make them feel a bit insecure.

Species Size

Neon tetras and danios are about the same size, so they will get along fine in most tanks. They both require a good amount of swimming room as well as plenty of hiding places, but other than that there is little to worry about when it comes to their compatibility.

Diet and Feeding

Neon tetras and zebra Danios can be fed a variety of foods, but it is important to make sure the diet includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Neon tetras and zebra danios are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods including plant matter, algae, insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They should be fed twice daily with a quality diet that includes plenty of freshwaters.

Water Movement

Because these fish are surface dwellers, a strong water current is necessary. Substrate and rock decorations that mimic the look of flowing water will help to create a movement for them as well. Neon tetras require some quiet time to rest, so keep their tank moderately dimly lit rather than having no lighting at all. Zebra danios may be able to survive in just weak normal light or almost completely dark conditions while neon tetras prefer moderate levels of light.

Behavior and Temperament

Neon tetras and zebra Danios are quite active; they will dart from one open area of the tank to another, gathering bits of food as they go. Since these fish can be kept either singly or in groups, you must use existing hiding spots and foliage to make your neon tetra feel secure when alone as well. They will also explore their surroundings on occasion for natural cover, making sure every inch is taken care of by them and their tank mates.

Tips to Make Tetras and Danios Coexist

danio rerio fish and neon corals close-up

Large Groups

Keeping danios and tetras in the same tank will help to keep them from fighting, but they may become territorial if kept in small groups. To prevent this, it is best to keep the fish in large groups of at least 6-8 individuals. This way they can all have plenty of space and food without feeling threatened by each other.

Enough Space

These fish can be quite active with so much space to explore. Without clear glass, an aquarium should have a tank of at least 10 to 20 gallons for these species. They will come out of the water and swim about, exploring different areas and gathering food as they go. Spacious tanks are essential if you want lots of eye-catching color in your neon tetra or zebra danios keeping tank! These fish can be quite active with so much space to explore.

Aquatic Plants and Decorations

While plants and decorations will help provide hiding spots for your fish, you are also likely to see the neon tetra’s unique nature emerge here too. Many of these fish have a fondness for gathering and picking up small items or free-floating toys on their way to one spot or another, an activity that may be less common in brackish water tanks! The danios can enjoy sticky vegetation (such as java moss) here too, providing both beneficial cover and food for the fish.

Water Inspection for Toxins

The danios are often healthier spenders and can better tolerate lower nitrate levels than the tetras. This makes them a great option for fish with tank mates that drain their water quickly or even to supplement these tanks at first. They will require medium-brightness lighting depending on whether they live in freshwater or brackish water when kept singly; danios have a different optimum light level than tetras.

Provide Filter

The size of danios probably justifies an under gravel filter (UGF). They are not as active in the substrate, so they may become more suitable for this fish. Danios have been known to use a sand bed if provided with one and they enjoy plants. Any UGF will work though, depending on your filtration requirements and the amount you want to spend!

Add Other Tankmates

Aquarium enthusiasts who are looking to add some excitement and variety to their aquarium should consider keeping Neon Tetras with other types of fish. Some suitable tank mates for neon tetras include; Corydoras catfish, gouramis, mollies, plecos, barbs, and loaches.