Can African Cichlid Live With Cardinal Tetra?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Cardinal Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 73–81°F | 76–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 4.5–7 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 2" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 10 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Varies by species | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
African Cichlid
Various (Mbuna, Peacock, Hap)
intermediateaggressive55+ gal
African cichlids from Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria are among the most colorful freshwater fish. They are active, intelligent, and aggressive — requiring specific tank setups with plenty of rock formations and overstock strategies to manage aggression.
Full care guide →Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
intermediatepeaceful10+ gal
Cardinal tetras look similar to neon tetras but have a red stripe that extends the entire length of their body (vs only the back half in neons). They prefer softer, more acidic water and are slightly more delicate, but their deeper coloration makes them highly sought after.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
For Cardinal Tetra:
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