Can flowerhorns live with cardinal tetras?
Verdict
No
No. Flowerhorns and cardinal tetras should not share a tank. An adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
- Deal breakerFlowerhorns are aggressive and will bully peaceful cardinal tetras.
- Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.
What works
- Both are fine at 80–84°F.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Flowerhorn | Cardinal tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 80–89 °F | 76–84 °F |
| pH | 7–8 | 4.6–7 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 2.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gal | 20 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
| Group | One per tank | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for cardinal tetras
Questions
Can flowerhorns live with cardinal tetras?
No. Flowerhorns and cardinal tetras should not share a tank. An adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
What temperature suits both flowerhorns and cardinal tetras?
80–84 °F. Flowerhorns need 80–89 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.
What size tank do flowerhorns and cardinal tetras need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the flowerhorn. Add space for each extra fish.