Can kuhli loaches live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, kuhli loaches and cardinal tetras can live together. Both are fine at 76–84°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Kuhli loachKuhli loach75–86°F · pH 5.5–7 Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–84°Kuhli loach 75–86°Cardinal tetra 76–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 5.5–7Kuhli loach 5.5–7Cardinal tetra 4.6–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Kuhli loach · 3.5 inCardinal tetra · 2 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

Kuhli loachCardinal tetra
Temperature75–86 °F76–84 °F
pH5.5–74.6–7
Adult size3.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for kuhli loaches

All kuhli loach tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can kuhli loaches live with cardinal tetras?

Yes, kuhli loaches and cardinal tetras can live together. Both are fine at 76–84°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both kuhli loaches and cardinal tetras?

76–84 °F. Kuhli loaches need 75–86 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do kuhli loaches and cardinal tetras need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the kuhli loach. Add space for each extra fish.