Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Vampire Pleco?
Cardinal Tetra and Vampire Pleco CAN coexist, but with some risks. Careful setup and monitoring required.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 75–82°F.
pH
✓ Compatible
Good pH overlap at 5.5–7.0.
Size
⚠ Use Caution
Significant size difference (10" vs 2"). Vampire Pleco may bully or stress Cardinal Tetra.
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Cardinal Tetra (peaceful) may have issues with Vampire Pleco (semi-aggressive). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Cardinal Tetra: middle, Vampire 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: 50 gallons
| Parameter | Cardinal Tetra | Vampire Pleco |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 5.5–7 |
| Max Size | 2" | 10" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swim Level | Middle | Bottom |
| Min Tank | 10 gal | 50 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.