Tank mates
Best Cardinal Tetra Tank Mates: Compatible Species
Last updated: May 2026
Community snapshot
- Tank sizing baseline: ≥60 L for branching schools plus dither fish
- Temperament cue: Peaceful nano Amazon vibe
- Water window: pH 4.5–7 idealistic target
Cardinals shine in tannin-stained systems with gentle flow—hard tap extremes bleach colour fast.
Compatible species
- Apistogramma / dwarf cichlid references via research
- Small Corydoras
- Hatchetfish context for surface calm
- Amanos
Fish to avoid
- Adult angels — borderline predator relationship (read overlap guide).
Model combinations responsibly with the free aquarium stocking calculator.
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