Compatibility Overview
Ember Tetra and Oscar 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 | Oscar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 74–81°F | ✅ 74–81°F |
| pH Range | 5.5–7.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ✅ 6.0–7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 14 in | ❌ 18× difference |
| Min. Group | 8+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 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.
Oscar — Astronotus ocellatus
Intelligent but aggressive cichlids that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Require large tanks (75+ gallons) and robust tank mates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ember Tetra live with Oscar?
Generally not recommended. Ember Tetra and Oscar 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 Oscar together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Ember Tetra and Oscar together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Ember Tetra and Oscar?
74–81°F
Is a Ember Tetra aggressive toward a Oscar?
Ember Tetra is peaceful and Oscar is aggressive. Oscars will eat ember tetras.