Compatibility
Freshwater Angelfish × Cardinal Tetra Compatibility
Compatibility calculated based on predation risk, behaviour profile, and water-parameter overlap.
Freshwater Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra are not recommended together in most community setups, but territorial behaviour should be monitored, size difference should be monitored, and water-parameter overlap should be checked carefully.
TemperatureA
pHC
HardnessB
FlowA
PredationC
BehaviourB
Not recommendedC
Envrionmental Factors
Temperature overlap
Freshwater Angelfish: 24.0–30.0 °C
Cardinal Tetra: 23.0–27.0 °C
Shared window: 24.0–27.0°C.
pH overlap
Freshwater Angelfish: 6.8–7.8
Cardinal Tetra: 5.0–7.0
Shared window: 6.8–7.0.
Hardness overlap
Freshwater Angelfish: Soft → Medium
Cardinal Tetra: Very soft → Soft
Shared hardness bands: 1 (overlap ratio 50%).
Flow match
Freshwater Angelfish: Medium
Cardinal Tetra: Low
Flow preferences do not conflict directly (no low-vs-high clash).
Behavioural Factors
Predation risk (size ratio)
Adult size ratio: 3.43x
Size gap is above 3.0x, which can increase predation pressure.
Behaviour risk
- - Freshwater Angelfish: Territorial.
- - Freshwater Angelfish: Predatory.
- - At least one species can be pushy or fin-nippy; monitor closely.
- - Behaviour may vary by tank size and stocking; have a backup plan.
Parameter snapshot
| Parameter | Freshwater Angelfish | Cardinal Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 12.0 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Temperature | 24.0–30.0 °C | 23.0–27.0 °C |
| pH | 6.8–7.8 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Soft → Medium | Very soft → Soft |
| Flow | Medium | Low |
| Locations | South America | South America |
Geographic overlap (supporting signal)
Shared: South America
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