Cardinal tetra care

Water temperature

76–84°F

Cardinal tetras do best at 76–84°F and pH 4.6–7. Plan on 20 gallons or more. Good tank mates include bettas, angelfish, guppies.

Likes warmer, softer water than the neon. A good match for discus.

Paracheirodon axelrodi

pH

4.6–7

Minimum tank

20 gal

Adult size

2.0 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Group

Groups of 6+

Lifespan

4–5 years

Swims at

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Best tank mates

• BettaYes
• AngelfishYes
• GuppyYes
• Neon tetraYes
• DiscusYes
• Kuhli loachYes
• ApistogrammaYes
• Honey gouramiYes
• Rummy nose tetraYes
• Yoyo loachYes
• German blue ramYes
• Ember tetraYes

Full cardinal tetra tank mate chart: 52 yes, 28 with care, 18 no

Cardinal tetra water compared

Fish to keep away from cardinal tetras

• Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); cardinal tetras need 76–84°F. No temperature suits both.
• Silver arowana An adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
• Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
• Convict cichlid Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful cardinal tetras.
• Goldfish Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); cardinal tetras need 76–84°F. No temperature suits both.
• Black ghost knife An adult black ghost knife eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
• Bichir An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.
• Pictus catfish An adult pictus catfish eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2 inches cardinal tetras do.

More tetras and characins

• Neon tetra72–79°F
• Ember tetra73–84°F
• Congo tetra73–82°F
• Rummy nose tetra75–84°F
• Black skirt tetra70–80°F
• Serpae tetra72–79°F
• Silver dollar75–82°F
• Glowlight tetra74–80°F