Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Peacock Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0, Peacock Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Peacock Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 76–82°F | 76–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 7.8–8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 2" | 6" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 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 →Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara spp.
intermediatesemi-aggressive55+ gal
The Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara spp.) is a intermediate-level freshwater fish growing to 6 inches. Semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 55 gallon tank.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Peacock Cichlid:
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