Can platies live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Platies 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.

Platy70–80°F · pH 7–8.2

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 76–80°F.

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

	Platy	Cardinal tetra
Temperature	70–80 °F	76–84 °F
pH	7–8.2	4.6–7
Adult size	2.5 in	2.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	20 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Groups of 3+	Groups of 6+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can platies live with cardinal tetras?

Yes, with care. Platies 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 platies and cardinal tetras?

76–80 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do platies and cardinal tetras need together?

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