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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Bala / silver shark live with Neon Tetra?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Bala / silver shark + Neon Tetra: Bala / silver shark may eat Neon Tetra. Bala / silver shark (35cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

500L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 500L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2226°C shared
Bala / silver sharkNeon TetraShared window
pH
Range67 shared
Bala / silver sharkNeon TetraShared window
Size / predation

Bala / silver shark (35cm adult) may treat small Neon Tetra (~4cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Assessment details

  1. Compatible temperaments

    Both Bala / silver shark and Neon Tetra share a peaceful temperament.

  2. Bala / silver shark may eat Neon Tetra

    Top issue

    Bala / silver shark (35cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

Bala / silver shark (35cm) is predatory and Neon Tetra (4cm)…

Bala / silver shark may eat Neon Tetra

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Bala / silver shark should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
  • Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Bala / silver shark should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
  • Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Bala / silver shark + Neon Tetra

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.