Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Synodontis Catfish?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Cardinal Tetra needs 4.5–7.0, Synodontis Catfish needs 7.5–8.5.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Synodontis Catfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–82°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 4.5–7 | 7.5–8.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2" | 8" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 30 gal | 30 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 →Synodontis Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus
intermediatepeaceful30+ gal
The Synodontis Catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus) is a intermediate-level freshwater fish growing to 8 inches. Peaceful temperament, minimum 30 gallon tank.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Cardinal Tetra:
For Synodontis Catfish:
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