Cardinal tetra compatibility
Every pairing AquariumHQ has assessed for Cardinal tetra, derived from stored behavioural and environmental traits. Each verdict links to the reasoning behind it — including where the evidence runs out.
The species record is on the Cardinal tetra page. Any pairing not listed here can be assessed on demand with the compatibility checker.
What decides this species' pairings
Counted across every assessment above — the dimensions that actually raise concerns for this animal, rather than the ones a care sheet would list.
| Dimension | Pairings raising it | Share |
|---|---|---|
| temperature | 33 | 51% |
| ph | 23 | 35% |
| zone competition | 21 | 32% |
| hardness | 19 | 29% |
| predation | 16 | 25% |
| breeding aggression | 15 | 23% |
Environmental compromise
Whether a shared temperature, pH and hardness band exists is a necessary condition, not evidence that it suits both animals. This counts how good the overlap actually is.
| Overlap quality | Pairings |
|---|---|
| One animal at the edge of its range | 27 |
| Forced compromise — neither animal is where it wants to be | 20 |
| No overlap at all | 11 |
| Workable | 4 |
| Comfortable for both | 3 |
Every assessed pairing
Grouped by verdict, worst first.
Incompatible (17)
Should not be attempted. At least one factor is expected to cause harm.
- with Blue acara3 concerns
- with Discus4 concerns
- with Electric yellow cichlid5 concerns
- with Firemouth cichlid4 concerns
- with Goldfish4 concerns
- with Iridescent shark4 concerns
- with Kissing gourami2 concerns
- with Molly3 concerns
- with Moonlight gourami2 concerns
- with Oscar3 concerns
- with Platy4 concerns
- with Rope fish1 concern
- with Sailfin molly2 concerns
- with Senegal bichir1 concern
- with Severum4 concerns
- with Swordtail4 concerns
- with White Cloud Mountain minnow2 concerns
Poor match (18)
Workable only in unusual circumstances. Not a pairing to plan around.
- with Amano shrimp3 concerns
- with American flagfish5 concerns
- with Angelfish4 concerns
- with Black ruby barb2 concerns
- with Bloodfin tetra2 concerns
- with Celestial pearl danio3 concerns
- with Cherry shrimp4 concerns
- with Convict cichlid4 concerns
- with Guppy2 concerns
- with Indian glassfish4 concerns
- with Mystery snail3 concerns
- with Neon tetra2 concerns
- with Panda corydoras1 concern
- with Peppered corydoras1 concern
- with Pictus catfish3 concerns
- with Red swamp crayfish4 concerns
- with Yoyo loach2 concerns
- with Zebra danio1 concern
Conditional (12)
Can work, but only if the stated conditions are met.
- with Bladder snail1 concern
- with Bronze corydoras1 concern
- with Common pleco1 concern
- with Ghost shrimp4 concerns
- with Kribensis2 concerns
- with Nerite snail2 concerns
- with Pea puffer3 concerns
- with Peacock gudgeon2 concerns
- with Pygmy corydoras1 concern
- with Scissortail rasbora2 concerns
- with Siamese algae eater1 concern
- with Siamese fighting fish2 concerns
Generally compatible (12)
Usually works. Minor points to watch are listed below.
- with Bolivian ram1 concern
- with Bristlenose pleco1 concern
- with Cherry barb2 concerns
- with Chili rasbora1 concern
- with Ember tetra1 concern
- with German blue ram1 concern
- with Golden wonder killifish1 concern
- with Harlequin rasbora2 concerns
- with Otocinclus1 concern
- with Rummy-nose tetra1 concern
- with Serpae tetra2 concerns
- with Tiger barb2 concerns
Compatible (6)
Requirements align and no behavioural conflict is expected.
Verdict distribution
| Verdict | Pairings | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Poor match | 18 | Workable only in unusual circumstances. Not a pairing to plan around. |
| Incompatible | 17 | Should not be attempted. At least one factor is expected to cause harm. |
| Conditional | 12 | Can work, but only if the stated conditions are met. |
| Generally compatible | 12 | Usually works. Minor points to watch are listed below. |
| Compatible | 6 | Requirements align and no behavioural conflict is expected. |