Compatibility Overview
Ember Tetra and Jewel Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Ember Tetra | Jewel Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 72–79°F | ✅ 73–79°F |
| pH Range | 5.5–7.0 | 7.0–8.0 | ⚠️ 7.0–7.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 3.1 in | ⚠️ 3.9× difference |
| Min. Group | 8+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 55 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Ember Tetra — Hyphessobrycon amandae
Tiny orange-red schooling tetra that is among the most adaptable nano fish. Peaceful with everything too small to eat them.
Jewel Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Jewel Cichlid, Hemichromis bimaculatus, is a vibrant and territorial fish popular in the aquarium trade. They require a spacious tank with hiding spots and can be moderately aggressive. With proper care, they can be a rewarding addition to the home aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ember Tetra live with Jewel Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Ember Tetra and Jewel Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Ember Tetra and Jewel Cichlid together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Ember Tetra and Jewel Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Ember Tetra and Jewel Cichlid?
73–79°F
Is a Ember Tetra aggressive toward a Jewel Cichlid?
Ember Tetra is peaceful and Jewel Cichlid is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 86/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 38/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 55 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 75 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 125 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |