Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra Compatibility Overview
Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Angelfish | Cardinal Tetra | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74โ84ยฐF | 73โ82ยฐF | โ 74โ82ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ7.5 | 4.5โ7.0 | โ 6.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 6 in | 1.5 in | โ 4ร difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Angelfish โ Pterophyllum scalare
Elegant South American cichlids with long flowing fins. Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding and will eat very small fish.
Cardinal Tetra โ Paracheirodon axelrodi
Brilliant red-and-blue schooling fish from the Rio Negro. Prefers soft, acidic, warm water โ a natural companion for discus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Angelfish live with Cardinal Tetra?
Generally not recommended. Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra together?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra?
74โ82ยฐF โ inside Angelfish's 74โ84ยฐF and Cardinal Tetra's 73โ82ยฐF.
Is a Angelfish aggressive toward a Cardinal Tetra?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Angelfish and Cardinal Tetra
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 75 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 125 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 150 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |