Can blood parrots live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Blood parrots and cardinal tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. A grown blood parrot may treat small cardinal tetras as food, especially at night.

Blood parrot76–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Cardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

What to watch

Watch outA grown blood parrot may treat small cardinal tetras as food, especially at night.

What works

Both are fine at 76–80°F.
pH 6.5–7 suits both.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Blood parrot	Cardinal tetra
Temperature	76–80 °F	76–84 °F
pH	6.5–7.5	4.6–7
Adult size	8.0 in	2.0 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	20 gal
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Peaceful
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 6+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for blood parrots

All blood parrot tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can blood parrots live with cardinal tetras?

Yes, with care. Blood parrots and cardinal tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. A grown blood parrot may treat small cardinal tetras as food, especially at night.

What temperature suits both blood parrots and cardinal tetras?

76–80 °F. Blood parrots need 76–80 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do blood parrots and cardinal tetras need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the blood parrot. Add space for each extra fish.