Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Red-Tail Catfish?
Cardinal Tetra and Red-Tail Catfish are NOT compatible tank mates.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 73–79°F.
pH
✓ Compatible
Good pH overlap at 5.5–7.0.
Size
✗ Not Compatible
Extreme size difference. Red-Tail Catfish (48") may eat or bully Cardinal Tetra (2").
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Cardinal Tetra (peaceful) may have issues with Red-Tail Catfish (semi-aggressive). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Cardinal Tetra: middle, Red-Tail Catfish: bottom), reducing conflict.
Trait Conflict
✗ Not Compatible
Red-Tail Catfish is a predator and may eat Cardinal Tetra.
Important Notes
- Cardinal Tetra is a schooling fish and needs at least 6 of its kind.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size for this combination: 300 gallons
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Red-Tail Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 72–79°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 5.5–7.2 |
| Max Size | 2" | 48" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swim Level | Middle | Bottom |
| Min Tank | 10 gal | 300 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.