Yes: Compatible.
No clashes under our rules: they share a temperature range, neither is a fin nipper or predator of the other, and their temperaments fit.
Temperature. Bristlenose pleco does best at 23–25 °C (73–77 °F) and Neon tetra at 21–25 °C (70–77 °F). They share 23–25 °C.
Water. Their pH ranges overlap at 6.5–7.
Temperament and size. Bristlenose pleco is peaceful and grows to 12.5 cm; Neon tetra is peaceful and grows to 3 cm. Bristlenose pleco swims at the bottom and Neon tetra at the mid, which spreads them out.
Tank size and groups. Plan on at least 30 US gallons, the larger of the two cautious minimums. Keep Neon tetra in a group of 8+. A starter mix of 1 Bristlenose pleco and 8 Neon tetra in 30 gallons uses about 45% of the tank’s bioload capacity under our rules and grades A.
Keeping them together
- Feeding: Bristlenose pleco feeds on the bottom. Add sinking pellets or wafers after lights-out so faster mid-water fish don’t take it all.
- Aquascape: both are calmer with cover. Plants and floating cover make shy fish come out more, not less.
- Group size: a full group is not optional. A schooling fish kept in too small a group is stressed and more likely to nip or hide.
- Adding them: add the calmer species first and let it settle for a week or two before adding the other, and only once your tank has cycled.
Open this pair in the checker Add your other fish to grade the whole tank.
Quick facts
| Bristlenose pleco | Neon tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 12.5 cm | 3 cm |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 15 gal |
| Temperature | 23–25 °C | 21–25 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 5–7 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful |
| Group size | 1 | 8+ |
Data from the Species Ledger, checked November 9, 2026, with at least two sources per species. Cautious community guidelines, not guarantees: individual fish vary. Not veterinary advice. Disagree? Tell us.