Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Dwarf Gourami?
Maybe, with caveats , cardinal tetras and dwarf gouramis share a wide temperature range and occupy different tank levels, which reduces conflict, but dwarf gouramis carry a high risk of iridovirus that threatens the entire tank.
Why
- Temperature overlap of 73-81°F covers both species comfortably, with dwarf gouramis preferring the warmer end around 77-80°F.
- pH overlap of 6.0-7.0 works for both species, leaning toward slightly acidic water that suits cardinal tetras.
- Dwarf gouramis are labyrinth fish that breathe air at the surface, while cardinal tetras stay mid-tank, so they occupy different zones.
- Dwarf gouramis are peaceful but can be territorial toward their own kind or similarly colored fish.
- Dwarf gouramis have a high rate of carrying dwarf gourami iridovirus, which is fatal and spreads through the water to other fish.
What could go wrong
Dwarf gourami iridovirus can wipe out an entire tank, and cardinal tetras are susceptible to it.
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 73-81°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
Dwarf gouramis do well with corydoras, small rasboras, or otocinclus. Cardinal tetras do well with honey gouramis, ember tetras, or rummy-nose tetras.
Related compatibility questions
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