Can Electric Blue Acara Live With Neon Tetra?
No, adult electric blue acaras eat neon tetras since cichlids of that size readily consume fish under 2 inches.
Why
- Electric blue acaras grow to 6-8 inches. Neon tetras stay at 1.5 inches and fit in an adult acara's mouth.
- Acaras are cichlids with predatory feeding behavior that develops as they mature past 3 inches.
- Water parameters overlap (72-81F, pH 6.0-7.0), which makes the pairing look viable on paper.
- Tetras that survive will be chronically stressed with a large cichlid in the tank. Colors fade and schooling breaks down.
- Even well-fed acaras may still pick off slow-moving tetras as an easy snack.
What could go wrong
Tetra numbers decline one at a time over weeks, usually overnight, before anyone catches the acara hunting.
If you keep them in separate tanks
Sized for the 30 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 70 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 30 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 200W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 72-81°F window both species need.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.
Better pairings to consider
Electric blue acaras do well with larger tetras like serpae or rummy-nose. Neon tetras do well with corydoras or small rasboras.
Related compatibility questions
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