Fish comparison
Neon Tetra vs Yoyo Loach
How the Neon Tetra and Yoyo Loach compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Neon Tetra vs Yoyo Loach
The Neon Tetra and the Yoyo Loach 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 23 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. If tank space is tight, the Neon Tetra needs less room to feel settled; give the Yoyo Loach the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
2 notes
Temperature
- Neon Tetra20–26 °C
- Yoyo Loach23–28 °C
pH
- Neon Tetra5.5–7
- Yoyo Loach6.5–7.8
Hardness
- Neon Tetra1–8 dGH
- Yoyo Loach5–15 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.
- Yoyo Loach schools, stock at least 5You've planned for 1 yoyo loach. Yoyo Loach need a group of at least 5 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 |  FishYoyo LoachBotia almorhae |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Upper Amazon basin, South America | Ganges and Indus basins |
| Family | Characidae | Botiidae |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C | 23–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 | 6.5–7.8 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–8 | 5–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium |
| Min tank | 60 L | 150 L |
| Adult size | 3.5–4 cm | 10–15 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 5–8 yrs | 10–15 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore (loves snails) |
| Water column | Mid | Bottom |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (with adults; may eat shrimplets) | No (eats shrimp readily) |
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 Yoyo Loach together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 23 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 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 Yoyo Loach?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Neon Tetra and Yoyo Loach need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 23 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 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 Yoyo Loach?
Space. The Neon Tetra wants about 60 litres minimum and the Yoyo Loach around 150, so tank size can settle it.