Neon Tetra and Oscar Cichlid: can they live together?

Verdict:not recommended

  • Behaviour: not recommended
  • Water: ranges overlap

Why

The oscar is a predator up to 35 cm and eats small fish. A neon tetra is only 4 cm, so for the oscar it is prey, and they should not be kept together.

Water and size

Water and size
ParameterNeon TetraOscar CichlidShared range
Temperature20 – 25 °C (68 – 77 °F)22 – 25 °C (72 – 77 °F)
22 – 25 °C (72 – 77 °F) ranges overlap
Water pH5 – 76 – 8
6 – 7 ranges overlap
Water dH1 – 105 – 19
5 – 10 ranges overlap
Size in aquarium4 cm (1.6 in)35 cm (14 in)
Required aquarium volumefrom 54 L (14 gal)from 500 L (132 gal)
KeepingSchooling (usually from 5–6 individuals and more)Pair (male/female)
TemperamentPeaceful (regular)Predator, but semi-peaceful (gets along with large ones)
Swimming levelmiddle levelmiddle level

This is a general estimate: fish of the same species differ in character. Tank volume is given for each species separately — two species together need at least the larger of the two, and usually more.

Other pairs with these fish