Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Blue Tang (Regal Tang)?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0, Blue Tang (Regal Tang) needs 8.1–8.4.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Blue Tang (Regal Tang) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–82°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 2" | 12" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 75 gal | 75 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
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 →Blue Tang (Regal Tang)
Paracanthurus hepatus
intermediatesemi-aggressive75+ gal
The blue tang — Dory from Finding Nemo — is one of the most recognizable marine fish with its vivid royal blue body, black palette marking, and yellow tail. While stunning, they grow large (up to 12 inches), are highly susceptible to ich, and need tanks of 75+ gallons. They are not beginner fish despite their popularity following the movies.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Blue Tang (Regal Tang):
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