Can Bristlenose Pleco Live With Cardinal Tetra?
Bristlenose Pleco and Cardinal Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–81°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Bristlenose Pleco | Cardinal Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 73–81°F | 73–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.5 | 4.5–7 | 6.5–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 5" | 2" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Bristlenose Pleco + Cardinal Tetra
To keep Bristlenose Pleco and Cardinal Tetra together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
The Bristlenose Pleco is the most popular pleco species for home aquariums, and for good reason — they stay small (4–5 inches vs 12–24 inches for common plecos), are excellent algae eaters, and are hardy and easy to care for. Males develop distinctive bristle-like growths on their nose, which is how they get their name.
Full care guide →Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
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 →