Can african cichlids live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict
No

No. African cichlids and cardinal tetras should not share a tank. Different water: african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, cardinal tetras want pH 4.6–7.

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–82°African cichlid 75–82°Cardinal tetra 76–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789African cichlid 7.8–8.6Cardinal tetra 4.6–7
No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inCardinal tetra · 2 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

African cichlidCardinal tetra
Temperature75–82 °F76–84 °F
pH7.8–8.64.6–7
Adult size5.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal20 gal
TemperamentAggressivePeaceful
Swims atAll levelsMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with cardinal tetras?

No. African cichlids and cardinal tetras should not share a tank. Different water: african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, cardinal tetras want pH 4.6–7.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and cardinal tetras?

76–82 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and cardinal tetras need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.