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Neon TetraVSGoldfish

Can they live together? Complete Compatibility Analysis

Compatibility Score
5
🚫 Do Not Mix

Neon Tetras are small, peaceful tropical fish requiring warm, soft, acidic water. Goldfish are large, coldwater fish that produce significant waste and prefer cooler, harder, alkaline water. Their temperature, pH, and dietary needs are fundamentally incompatible.

Potential Issues
  • •Goldfish will eat Neon Tetras.
  • •Goldfish require much cooler water (60-74°F) which will stress and kill Neon Tetras (70-81°F).
  • •Goldfish produce high waste, requiring different filtration and water quality management than a typical tropical community.
Tank Requirements
Temperature
Incompatible. Neon Tetra: 70-81°F. Goldfish: 60-74°F.
pH Level
Incompatible. Neon Tetra: 5.0-7.0 (soft, acidic). Goldfish: 7.0-7.5 (harder, alkaline).
Minimum Tank Size
Not applicable for mixing. Goldfish alone require 20+ gallons for the first, plus 10-20 gallons per additional fish.

About Neon Tetra and Goldfish

When considering adding Goldfish to a tank with Neon Tetra, it's crucial to understand their specific needs. Neon Tetras are small, peaceful tropical fish requiring warm, soft, acidic water. Goldfish are large, coldwater fish that produce significant waste and prefer cooler, harder, alkaline water. Their temperature, pH, and dietary needs are fundamentally incompatible.

Key Differences

  • Neon Tetra: Requires 10 gallons minimum. Usually prefers tropical water conditions.
  • Goldfish: Requires 20 gallons minimum. Usually prefers coldwater water conditions.

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