Compatibility Overview
Cardinal Tetra and Foxface Rabbitfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Cardinal Tetra | Foxface Rabbitfish | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 73–81°F | ✅ 73–81°F |
| pH Range | 4.5–7.0 | 8.0–8.3 | ❌ No overlap |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 1.5 in | 3.9 in | ⚠️ 2.6× difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 55 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
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
Foxface Rabbitfish — Aquarium species
The Foxface Rabbitfish is a vibrant and peaceful addition to the marine aquarium. With its striking yellow coloration and dark spots, it adds a splash of color to the tank. They are known for their gregarious nature and can be kept in groups of 2-3. This species is suitable for beginners and intermediate aquarists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cardinal Tetra live with Foxface Rabbitfish?
Generally not recommended. Cardinal Tetra and Foxface Rabbitfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Cardinal Tetra and Foxface Rabbitfish together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Cardinal Tetra and Foxface Rabbitfish together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cardinal Tetra and Foxface Rabbitfish?
73–81°F
Is a Cardinal Tetra aggressive toward a Foxface Rabbitfish?
Cardinal Tetra is peaceful and Foxface Rabbitfish is semi. These animals require different water types and cannot share one aquarium.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 100/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 72/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 55 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 75 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 125 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |