Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Ocellaris Clownfish?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0, Ocellaris Clownfish needs 8.0–8.4.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Ocellaris Clownfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–82°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 8–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 2" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
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 →Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
beginnersemi-aggressive20+ gal
The ocellaris clownfish — star of Finding Nemo — is the most popular saltwater aquarium fish and one of the best choices for beginner reef keepers. Captive-bred specimens are hardy, readily available, and don't require an anemone host (though they will happily adopt one). They are one of the few marine fish that breed regularly in home aquariums.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Ocellaris Clownfish:
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