Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Pea Puffer?
❌Not Compatible
Pea Puffer is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Pea Puffer | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 74–82°F | 74–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 7–8 | 7–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 2" | 1" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 5 gal | 10 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore | — |
| 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 →Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
intermediateaggressive5+ gal
Pea puffers are the smallest freshwater pufferfish in the world, growing to just 1 inch. Despite their tiny size, they have big personalities — they are curious, intelligent, and surprisingly aggressive. They are best kept in species-only tanks and require live or frozen food.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Pea Puffer:
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