Can cardinal tetras live with zebra plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cardinal tetras and zebra plecos get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 79–84°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7 Zebra plecoZebra pleco79–88°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 79–84°Cardinal tetra 76–84°Zebra pleco 79–88°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Cardinal tetra 4.6–7Zebra pleco 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cardinal tetra · 2 inZebra pleco · 3.5 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 tetraZebra pleco
Temperature76–84 °F79–88 °F
pH4.6–76–7.5
Adult size2.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra plecos

All zebra pleco tank mates

Questions

Can cardinal tetras live with zebra plecos?

Yes. Cardinal tetras and zebra plecos get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 79–84°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both cardinal tetras and zebra plecos?

79–84 °F. Cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F, zebra plecos need 79–88 °F.

What size tank do cardinal tetras and zebra plecos need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the zebra pleco. Add space for each extra fish.