Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Cuckoo Catfish?
Cardinal Tetra and Cuckoo Catfish are NOT compatible tank mates.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 75–82°F.
pH
✗ Not Compatible
No pH overlap. Cardinal Tetra needs pH 5–7, but Cuckoo Catfish needs pH 7.5–9.
Size
⚠ Use Caution
Significant size difference (7" vs 2"). Cuckoo Catfish may bully or stress Cardinal Tetra.
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Cardinal Tetra (peaceful) may have issues with Cuckoo Catfish (semi-aggressive). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Cardinal Tetra: middle, Cuckoo Catfish: bottom), reducing conflict.
Important Notes
- Cardinal Tetra is a schooling fish and needs at least 6 of its kind.
- Cuckoo Catfish is a schooling fish and needs at least 3 of its kind.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size for this combination: 40 gallons
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Cuckoo Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 7.5–9 |
| Max Size | 2" | 7" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swim Level | Middle | Bottom |
| Min Tank | 10 gal | 40 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.