Compatibility
Neon tetra × Cardinal Tetra Compatibility
Compatibility calculated based on predation risk, behaviour profile, and water-parameter overlap.
Neon tetra and Cardinal Tetra can usually live together in a well-planted community tank.
TemperatureA
pHA
HardnessA
FlowA
PredationA
BehaviourA
Generally compatibleA
Envrionmental Factors
Temperature overlap
Neon tetra: 20.0–26.0 °C
Cardinal Tetra: 23.0–27.0 °C
Shared window: 23.0–26.0°C.
pH overlap
Neon tetra: 5.5–7.5
Cardinal Tetra: 5.0–7.0
Shared window: 5.5–7.0.
Hardness overlap
Neon tetra: Very soft → Medium
Cardinal Tetra: Very soft → Soft
Shared hardness bands: 2 (overlap ratio 100%).
Flow match
Neon tetra: Low
Cardinal Tetra: Low
Flow preferences do not conflict directly (no low-vs-high clash).
Behavioural Factors
Predation risk (size ratio)
Adult size ratio: 1.14x
Adult size gap is under 2.0x, which is usually a safer ratio.
Behaviour risk
- - Both species are generally peaceful; behaviour conflict risk is low.
Parameter snapshot
| Parameter | Neon tetra | Cardinal Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.0 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Temperature | 20.0–26.0 °C | 23.0–27.0 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Very soft → Medium | Very soft → Soft |
| Flow | Low | Low |
| Locations | South America | South America |
Geographic overlap (supporting signal)
Shared: South America
Best tank mates for Neon tetra
Reference links to curated compatibility pair pages for this species.
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Cherry barb
Rohanella titteya
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
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