Can cardinal tetras live with severums?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Cardinal tetras and severums can share a tank, but watch one thing. A grown severum may treat small cardinal tetras as food, especially at night.

Cardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

Severum74–84°F · pH 6–7

What to watch

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

What works

Both are fine at 76–84°F.
pH 6–7 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

	Cardinal tetra	Severum
Temperature	76–84 °F	74–84 °F
pH	4.6–7	6–7
Adult size	2.0 in	8.0 in
Minimum tank	20 gal	55 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Groups of 6+	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for severums

All severum tank mates

Questions

Can cardinal tetras live with severums?

Yes, with care. Cardinal tetras and severums can share a tank, but watch one thing. A grown severum may treat small cardinal tetras as food, especially at night.

What temperature suits both cardinal tetras and severums?

76–84 °F. Cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F, severums need 74–84 °F.

What size tank do cardinal tetras and severums need together?

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