Can cardinal tetras live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, cardinal tetras and chinese algae eaters can live together. Both are fine at 76–80°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7 Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–80°Cardinal tetra 76–84°Chinese algae eater 74–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Cardinal tetra 4.6–7Chinese algae eater 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cardinal tetra · 2 inChinese algae eater · 10 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
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

Cardinal tetraChinese algae eater
Temperature76–84 °F74–80 °F
pH4.6–76–8
Adult size2.0 in10.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal75 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can cardinal tetras live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, cardinal tetras and chinese algae eaters can live together. Both are fine at 76–80°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

What temperature suits both cardinal tetras and chinese algae eaters?

76–80 °F. Cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do cardinal tetras and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.