Cardinal Tetra tank mates
Paracheirodon axelrodi
6 rated pairings from the Cardinal Tetra care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Cardinal Tetra needs at least 15 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical soft water requirements; excellent algae control without competing for food
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, temperament, and water parameter needs; both prefer soft, acidic conditions and dense planting
Dwarf Hairgrass
Eleocharis parvula
Low-growing foreground plant that creates ideal habitat structure; provides shelter and natural aesthetic cardinal tetras prefer
Anubias Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Hardy, low-light plant that thrives in soft water; creates mid-level cover without requiring high maintenance
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
10 gal min · 0.8" adult · Peaceful
Smaller tetra with compatible peaceful nature; prefers slightly warmer temperatures but overlaps well in community settings
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful invertebrate compatible with soft water; may predate on fry but safe with adults; adds visual interest
Also recommended alongside Cardinal Tetra
Species whose own guides list Cardinal Tetra as a tank mate.
Green Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
10 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Koi Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
30 gal min · 6" adult · Semi-aggressive
Marble Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
30 gal min · 6" adult · Semi-aggressive
Kerri Tetra
Inpaichthys kerri
10 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
100 gal min · 18" adult · Peaceful
Emerald Corydoras
Brochis splendens
20 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful
Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nana
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
20 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
L066 King Tiger Pleco
Hypancistrus sp. L066
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Ornate Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
African Glass Catfish
Pareutropius debauwi
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
20 gal min · 3" adult · Semi-aggressive
Alternanthera Reineckii Pink
Alternanthera reineckii Pink
Alternanthera Reineckii Purple
Alternanthera reineckii Purple
Altum Angelfish
Pterophyllum altum
55 gal min · 8" adult · Semi-aggressive
Amazon Leaf Fish
Monocirrhus polyacanthus
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Ambiacus Corydoras
Corydoras ambiacus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
100 gal min · 20" adult · Semi-aggressive
Black Lace Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
30 gal min · 6" adult · Semi-aggressive
Black-Winged Hatchetfish
Carnegiella marthae
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Blackedge Tetra
Tyttocharax madeirae
10 gal min · 0.8" adult · Peaceful
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
55 gal min · 7" adult · Semi-aggressive
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.