Can Ember tetra live with Tiger barb?

Temperature. Ember tetra does best at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and Tiger barb at 20–26 °C (68–79 °F). They share 24–26 °C.

Water. Their pH ranges overlap at 6–7.

Temperament and size. Ember tetra is peaceful and grows to 2 cm; Tiger barb is semi-aggressive and grows to 7 cm. Both use the mid of the tank, so give them room and cover.

Tank size and groups. Plan on at least 30 US gallons, the larger of the two cautious minimums. Keep Ember tetra in a group of 8+. Keep Tiger barb in a group of 8+. A starter mix of 8 Ember tetra and 8 Tiger barb in 30 gallons uses about 75% of the tank’s bioload capacity under our rules and grades A.

Keeping them together

• Feeding: both feed in open water. Feed small amounts two or three times a day so the slower eater gets its share.
• Aquascape: break up sight lines with plants, wood or rock, and give each fish its own hiding spots. Territorial fish settle faster when they can’t see each other all the time.
• 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.
• Shrimp and snails: neither is a known invertebrate eater, but baby shrimp can still be eaten. Dense moss helps.
• 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.

Better matches for Ember tetra

These pass every rule with Ember tetra: Cardinal tetra · Cherry barb · Guppy · Harlequin rasbora · Honey gourami · Molly · Neon tetra · Pearl gourami.

Open this pair in the checker Add your other fish to grade the whole tank.

Quick facts

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.