Can Ember Tetra Live With Cardinal Tetra?
Ember Tetra and Cardinal Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–81°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Ember Tetra | Cardinal Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 73–81°F | 73–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 5.5–7 | 4.5–7 | 5.5–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 0.8" | 2" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Ember Tetra + Cardinal Tetra
To keep Ember Tetra and Cardinal Tetra together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Ember Tetra should be kept in a school of 8+. 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
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Ember tetras are tiny, fiery-orange schooling fish that add a warm glow to planted tanks. At under 1 inch, they are perfect for nano tanks and make excellent companions for shrimp.
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 →