Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Jack Dempsey Cichlid?
Jack Dempsey Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Jack Dempsey Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–86°F | 73–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 2" | 10" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
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 →Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Rocio octofasciata
Named after the legendary boxer, Jack Dempsey cichlids are large, territorial Central American cichlids with iridescent blue-green spangles across their dark body. They are aggressive, intelligent, and interactive — many owners report them coming to the glass to greet them. The electric blue Jack Dempsey variant is significantly less aggressive and more colorful.
Full care guide →