Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk)?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp needs 8.1–8.4.
Ad
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–81°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–6.5 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2" | 2.4" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 11 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
beginnerpeaceful11+ gal
The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a beginner freshwater species known for its blue, red coloration. Brighter color than neon tetra. Mid to Lower-Mid.
Full care guide →Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk)
Lysmata amboinensis
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
The Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk) (Lysmata amboinensis) is a beginner saltwater species known for its red-orange, white dorsal stripe, white antennae coloration. Cleans parasites off fish. Surfaces.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk):
Ad