Can Corydoras Catfish Live With Cardinal Tetra?
Corydoras Catfish and Cardinal Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–79°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Corydoras Catfish | Cardinal Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 73–81°F | 73–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 4.5–7 | 6–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 2" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Corydoras Catfish + Cardinal Tetra
To keep Corydoras Catfish and Cardinal Tetra together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Corydoras Catfish should be kept in a school of 6+. Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Corydoras catfish are beloved bottom-dwelling community fish known for their adorable whiskered faces and playful schooling behavior. With over 160 described species, corys come in many varieties including bronze, albino, panda, pygmy, and sterbai. They are peaceful, hardy, and help keep the substrate clean.
Full care guide →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 →