Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Royal Gramma?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0, Royal Gramma needs 8.1–8.4.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Royal Gramma | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–80°F | 75–80°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore | — |
| 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 →Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
The royal gramma is one of the most stunning and beginner-friendly saltwater fish. Its front half is vivid purple transitioning to bright yellow on the back — a color combination unmatched in the marine world. They are hardy, disease-resistant, reef-safe, and stay small. Often considered one of the top 3 beginner saltwater fish alongside clownfish and firefish.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Royal Gramma:
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