Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby Compatibility Overview
Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby are generally not recommended to be housed together. One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium. Their pH ranges do not meet: Cardinal Tetra wants 4.5โ7.0 and Firefish Goby wants 8.1โ8.4. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Cardinal Tetra | Firefish Goby | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73โ82ยฐF | 72โ82ยฐF | โ 73โ82ยฐF |
| pH Range | 4.5โ7.0 | 8.1โ8.4 | โ No overlap |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | โ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 1.5 in | 3.0 in | โ ๏ธ 2.0ร difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
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.
โ Full Cardinal Tetra care guide
Firefish Goby โ Nemateleotris magnifica
The Firefish Goby is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to its vibrant colors and peaceful nature. These goby fish thrive in well-maintained tanks with plenty of live rock for them to explore. They are best kept in pairs or small groups and can be a great addition to a community tank with compatible species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cardinal Tetra live with Firefish Goby?
Generally not recommended. Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby are generally not recommended to be housed together. One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium. Their pH ranges do not meet: Cardinal Tetra wants 4.5โ7.0 and Firefish Goby wants 8.1โ8.4. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby?
73โ82ยฐF โ inside Cardinal Tetra's 73โ82ยฐF and Firefish Goby's 72โ82ยฐF.
Is a Cardinal Tetra aggressive toward a Firefish Goby?
Cardinal Tetra is peaceful and Firefish Goby is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Cardinal Tetra and Firefish Goby
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. |