Compatibility
Discus × Cardinal Tetra Compatibility
Compatibility calculated based on predation risk, behaviour profile, and water-parameter overlap.
Discus 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.
TemperatureC
pHA
HardnessA
FlowA
PredationC
BehaviourA
Not recommendedC
Envrionmental Factors
Temperature overlap
Discus: 27.0–30.0 °C
Cardinal Tetra: 23.0–27.0 °C
Shared window: 27.0–27.0°C.
pH overlap
Discus: 6.0–6.5
Cardinal Tetra: 5.0–7.0
Shared window: 6.0–6.5.
Hardness overlap
Discus: Very soft → Soft
Cardinal Tetra: Very soft → Soft
Shared hardness bands: 2 (overlap ratio 100%).
Flow match
Discus: Low
Cardinal Tetra: Low
Flow preferences do not conflict directly (no low-vs-high clash).
Behavioural Factors
Predation risk (size ratio)
Adult size ratio: 4.86x
Size gap is above 3.0x, which can increase predation pressure.
Behaviour risk
- - Discus: Hierarchical.
- - Both species are generally peaceful; behaviour conflict risk is low.
Parameter snapshot
| Parameter | Discus | Cardinal Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 17.0 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Temperature | 27.0–30.0 °C | 23.0–27.0 °C |
| pH | 6.0–6.5 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Very soft → Soft | Very soft → Soft |
| Flow | Low | Low |
| Locations | Rio Negro, Brazil | South America |
Geographic overlap (supporting signal)
No recorded overlap in our dataset.
Best tank mates for Discus
Reference links to curated compatibility pair pages for this species.
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
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