Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Cherry Shrimp?
Yes, cardinal tetras and cherry shrimp coexist peacefully in 15 gallons or larger, with both species comfortable at 73-80°F.
Why
- Cardinal tetras are 2-inch mid-level swimmers and cherry shrimp are 1-1.5-inch surface grazers, occupying completely different tank zones.
- Both species are small enough and calm enough that neither triggers defensive behavior in the other.
- Temperature overlap spans 73-80°F and pH overlap is 6.5-7, a range both species handle comfortably.
- Cherry shrimp breed readily and produce enough shrimplets that the school of tetras cannot meaningfully reduce the population.
What could go wrong
Adult cherry shrimp are safe, but a large school of tetras may pick off a few newborn shrimplets in the first days after hatching.
Gear for a shared tank
Sized for the 15 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 30 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 15 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 73-80°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.
Related compatibility questions
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