Compatibility Overview
Ember Tetra and Yellow Tang 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 | Yellow Tang | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 73–81°F | ✅ 73–81°F |
| pH Range | 5.5–7.0 | 8.0–8.5 | ❌ No overlap |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 2.4 in | ⚠️ 3.0× 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.
Yellow Tang — Aquarium species
The Yellow Tang is a popular and vibrant fish suitable for beginners. With its bright yellow color and blue stripes, it adds a striking contrast to the aquarium. They are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community tank, though they may be nippy with certain tankmates. They require a well-maintained tank with plenty of swimming space and a varied diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ember Tetra live with Yellow Tang?
Generally not recommended. Ember Tetra and Yellow Tang 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 Yellow Tang together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Ember Tetra and Yellow Tang together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Ember Tetra and Yellow Tang?
73–81°F
Is a Ember Tetra aggressive toward a Yellow Tang?
Ember Tetra is peaceful and Yellow Tang is semi. These animals require different water types and cannot share one aquarium.
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 | 100/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 72/100 |
| 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. |