Can cardinal tetras live with hatchetfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cardinal tetras and hatchetfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7 HatchetfishHatchetfish75–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–81°Cardinal tetra 76–84°Hatchetfish 75–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 5.5–7Cardinal tetra 4.6–7Hatchetfish 5.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cardinal tetra · 2 inHatchetfish · 1.5 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

Cardinal tetraHatchetfish
Temperature76–84 °F75–81 °F
pH4.6–75.5–7.5
Adult size2.0 in1.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleTop
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for hatchetfish

All hatchetfish tank mates

Questions

Can cardinal tetras live with hatchetfish?

Yes. Cardinal tetras and hatchetfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cardinal tetras and hatchetfish?

76–81 °F. Cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F, hatchetfish need 75–81 °F.

What size tank do cardinal tetras and hatchetfish need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the cardinal tetra. Add space for each extra fish.