Emperor Tetra tank mates
Nematobrycon palmeri
6 rated pairings from the Emperor Tetra care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Emperor Tetra needs at least 15 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical water requirements; won't compete for food or space
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, temperament, and water preferences; excellent community tank companion
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Comparable size and peaceful nature; thrives in same soft, acidic water conditions
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Nearly identical care requirements and peaceful schooling behavior; excellent mix for community tanks
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Small shrimp are generally safe; may occasionally be nipped but coexist peacefully in planted tanks
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with overlapping temperature range; may occasionally chase tetras but rarely causes harm
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.