Ember Tetra and Oscar Compatibility Overview
Ember Tetra and Oscar are generally not recommended to be housed together. Oscars will eat ember tetras. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Ember Tetra | Oscar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73โ84ยฐF | 74โ81ยฐF | โ 74โ81ยฐF |
| pH Range | 5.5โ7.0 | 6.0โ8.0 | โ 6.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | โ Risk |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 14 in | โ 18ร difference |
| Min. Group | 8+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Ember Tetra โ Hyphessobrycon amandae
Tiny orange-red schooling tetra that is among the most adaptable nano fish. Peaceful with everything too small to eat them.
โ Full Ember Tetra care guide
Oscar โ 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. Oscars will eat ember tetras. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
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?
74โ81ยฐF โ inside Ember Tetra's 73โ84ยฐF and Oscar's 74โ81ยฐF.
Is a Ember Tetra aggressive toward a Oscar?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Ember Tetra and Oscar
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |