Can Black Neon Tetra live with Kissing Gourami?
Caution — with care
Why
- Very different sizes (Kissing Gourami 12" vs Black Neon Tetra 1.5") — these two need different tanks, and the smaller fish will be out-competed at feeding time.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–8 dGH.
- Kissing Gourami is semi-aggressive — give the peaceful Black Neon Tetra plenty of space, cover and broken sight lines.
Sweet spot: both do well at 72–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Black Neon Tetra | Kissing Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–12 dGH | 6–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 1.5" | 12" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 75 gal |
Together, plan on at least 75 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
Sort it with: A larger tank · GH remineraliser
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Design a tank with Black Neon Tetra, Kissing Gourami →Everything compatible with Black Neon Tetra · …with Kissing Gourami