Fish comparison
Neon Tetra vs Otocinclus (Common)
How the Neon Tetra and Otocinclus (Common) compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Neon Tetra vs Otocinclus (Common)
The Neon Tetra and the Otocinclus (Common) come up together a lot when people are choosing a fish, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. The Neon Tetra is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Otocinclus (Common) rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
2 notes
Temperature
- Neon Tetra20–26 °C
- Otocinclus (Common)20–26 °C
pH
- Neon Tetra5.5–7
- Otocinclus (Common)6–7.5
Hardness
- Neon Tetra1–8 dGH
- Otocinclus (Common)2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- Neon Tetra schools, stock at least 10You've planned for 1 neon tetra. Neon Tetra need a group of at least 10 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Otocinclus (Common) schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 otocinclus (common). Otocinclus (Common) need a group of at least 6 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishNeon TetraParacheirodon innesi |  FishOtocinclus (Common)Otocinclus vittatus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Upper Amazon basin, South America | Northern and central South America |
| Family | Characidae | Loricariidae |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C | 20–26 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–8 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Min tank | 60 L | 60 L |
| Adult size | 3.5–4 cm | 3.5–5 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 5–8 yrs | 3–5 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore (algae) |
| Water column | Mid | Bottom (grazes everywhere) |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (with adults; may eat shrimplets) | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Neon Tetra and Otocinclus (Common) together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Neon Tetra or the Otocinclus (Common)?
The Neon Tetra is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Otocinclus (Common) leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Neon Tetra and Otocinclus (Common) need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Neon Tetra and the Otocinclus (Common)?
It comes down to look, size and pace rather than one being flatly better. The table above lays the numbers out row by row.