Can Cuckoo Catfish Live With Ember Tetra?
Cuckoo Catfish and Ember Tetra are NOT compatible tank mates.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 75–82°F.
pH
✗ Not Compatible
No pH overlap. Cuckoo Catfish needs pH 7.5–9, but Ember Tetra needs pH 5.5–7.
Size
✗ Not Compatible
Extreme size difference. Cuckoo Catfish (7") may eat or bully Ember Tetra (0.8").
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Cuckoo Catfish (semi-aggressive) may have issues with Ember Tetra (peaceful). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Cuckoo Catfish: bottom, Ember Tetra: middle), reducing conflict.
Important Notes
- Cuckoo Catfish is a schooling fish and needs at least 3 of its kind.
- Ember Tetra is a schooling fish and needs at least 8 of its kind.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size for this combination: 45 gallons
| Parameter | Cuckoo Catfish | Ember Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F | 73–84°F |
| pH | 7.5–9 | 5.5–7 |
| Max Size | 7" | 0.8" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swim Level | Bottom | Middle |
| Min Tank | 40 gal | 10 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.