Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 73-82°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Cardinal Tetra | Ember Tetra | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 73–84°F | ✅ 73–82°F |
| pH Range | 4.5–7.0 | 5.5–7.0 | ✅ 5.5–7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 1.5 in | 0.8 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 8+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | — | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
Species Profiles
Cardinal Tetra — Paracheirodon axelrodi
Brilliant red-and-blue schooling fish from the Rio Negro. Prefers soft, acidic, warm water — a natural companion for discus.
→ Full Cardinal Tetra care guide
Ember Tetra — Hyphessobrycon amandae
Tiny orange-red schooling tetra that is among the most adaptable nano fish. Peaceful with everything too small to eat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cardinal Tetra live with Ember Tetra?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra?
73–82°F — inside Cardinal Tetra's 73–82°F and Ember Tetra's 73–84°F.
Is a Cardinal Tetra aggressive toward a Ember Tetra?
Cardinal Tetra is peaceful and Ember Tetra is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Cardinal Tetra
- Black Phantom Tetra — 96/100
- Chili Rasbora — 96/100
- Diamond Tetra — 96/100
- Peppered Cory — 95/100
- Dwarf Chain Loach — 94/100
For Ember Tetra
- Black Neon Tetra — 92/100
- Black Phantom Tetra — 92/100
- Chili Rasbora — 92/100
- Dwarf Chain Loach — 92/100
- Diamond Tetra — 90/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 20 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 29 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |