Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Sunshine Pleco?
Cardinal Tetra and Sunshine Pleco are NOT compatible tank mates.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 77–84°F.
pH
✓ Compatible
Good pH overlap at 6.0–7.0.
Size
✗ Not Compatible
Extreme size difference. Sunshine Pleco (12") may eat or bully Cardinal Tetra (2").
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Cardinal Tetra (peaceful) may have issues with Sunshine Pleco (semi-aggressive). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Cardinal Tetra: middle, Sunshine Pleco: bottom), reducing conflict.
Important Notes
- Cardinal Tetra is a schooling fish and needs at least 6 of its kind.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size for this combination: 75 gallons
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Sunshine Pleco |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 77–86°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 6–7.5 |
| Max Size | 2" | 12" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swim Level | Middle | Bottom |
| Min Tank | 10 gal | 75 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.