Cochu's Blue Tetra tank mates
Boehlkea fredcochui
6 rated pairings from the Cochu's Blue Tetra care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Cochu's Blue Tetra needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
2 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Algae-eating bottom dweller that occupies different water column; no competition or aggression
Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
20 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful bottom feeder from similar South American habitat; compatible water parameters
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Danio erythromicron
10 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Similar size and water requirements; peaceful temperament helps balance the tetras' semi-aggressive nature
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar size and schooling behavior; both prefer soft, acidic water conditions
Use caution
2 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
15 gal min · 3.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Can work if tank is large enough (20+ gallons); monitor for fin-nipping, especially toward gourami's flowing fins
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Small shrimp may be nipped or eaten; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.