Can Angelfish Live With Cardinal Tetra?
No, adult angelfish eat cardinal tetras since a 6-inch angel can swallow a 2-inch tetra whole, even though juveniles may coexist briefly.
Why
- Angelfish grow to 6 inches long and 8 inches tall, with mouths wide enough to swallow fish up to 1.5 inches.
- Cardinal tetras reach only 2 inches and fit easily in an adult angelfish mouth.
- Angelfish are cichlids with predatory instincts that sharpen as they mature past 3-4 inches.
- Juvenile angels often ignore small tetras for months, then start hunting once the angel reaches 3 inches.
What could go wrong
Tetra numbers drop one at a time over weeks, usually overnight, before anyone witnesses the angelfish in the act of predation.
If you keep them in separate tanks
Sized for the 30 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 70 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 30 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 200W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 76-81°F window both species need.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.
Better pairings to consider
Angelfish do well with larger tetras like black skirt tetras, lemon tetras, or congo tetras that are too big to swallow. Cardinal tetras do well with corydoras, harlequin rasboras, or ember tetras in a peaceful community.
Related compatibility questions
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