Compatibility
Common Molly × Cardinal Tetra Compatibility
Compatibility calculated based on predation risk, behaviour profile, and water-parameter overlap.
Common Molly and Cardinal Tetra are not recommended together in most community setups, but size difference should be monitored and water-parameter overlap should be checked carefully.
TemperatureA
pHC
HardnessC
FlowA
PredationB
BehaviourA
Not recommendedC
Envrionmental Factors
Temperature overlap
Common Molly: 18.0–28.0 °C
Cardinal Tetra: 23.0–27.0 °C
Shared window: 23.0–27.0°C.
pH overlap
Common Molly: 7.5–8.5
Cardinal Tetra: 5.0–7.0
No shared operating range is present between the recorded values.
Hardness overlap
Common Molly: Medium → Hard
Cardinal Tetra: Very soft → Soft
No shared hardness band is present.
Flow match
Common Molly: Medium
Cardinal Tetra: Low
Flow preferences do not conflict directly (no low-vs-high clash).
Behavioural Factors
Predation risk (size ratio)
Adult size ratio: 2.86x
Size gap is between 2.0x and 3.0x, so monitor for dominance and mouth-fit risk.
Behaviour risk
- - Both species are generally peaceful; behaviour conflict risk is low.
Parameter snapshot
| Parameter | Common Molly | Cardinal Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 10.0 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Temperature | 18.0–28.0 °C | 23.0–27.0 °C |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Medium → Hard | Very soft → Soft |
| Flow | Medium | Low |
| Locations | Mexico, South America | South America |
Geographic overlap (supporting signal)
Shared: South America
Best tank mates for Common Molly
Reference links to curated compatibility pair pages for this species.
Cherry barb
Rohanella titteya
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Best tank mates for Cardinal Tetra
Reference links to curated compatibility pair pages for this species.
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Dwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae