Can nerite snails live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Nerite snails and cardinal tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

Nerite snail72–78°F · pH 7–8.5

Cardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What works

Both are fine at 76–78°F.
They use different parts of the tank: nerite snails the bottom, cardinal tetras the mid.

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

	Nerite snail	Cardinal tetra
Temperature	72–78 °F	76–84 °F
pH	7–8.5	4.6–7
Adult size	1.0 in	2.0 in
Minimum tank	5 gal	20 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	Bottom	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 6+
Diet	Herbivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for nerite snails

All nerite snail tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can nerite snails live with cardinal tetras?

Yes, with care. Nerite snails and cardinal tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What temperature suits both nerite snails and cardinal tetras?

76–78 °F. Nerite snails need 72–78 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do nerite snails and cardinal tetras need together?

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