Can Cardinal Tetra Live With Panda Corydoras?
Yes, cardinal tetras and panda corydoras coexist peacefully in 15 gallons or larger, with complementary swimming levels and shared water preferences.
Why
- Cardinal tetras reach 2 inches and school in the middle water column.
- Panda corydoras grow to 2 inches and stay on the bottom, so they rarely cross paths.
- Temperature overlap sits at 73-77F, slightly cooler than cardinals prefer but manageable in a planted tank.
- Both species thrive in soft, slightly acidic water in the 6-7 pH range.
- Panda corydoras are completely peaceful and pose zero threat to any mid-water fish.
What could go wrong
Cardinals need warmer water than panda corydoras prefer. Keep the tank at 77F to satisfy cardinals without overheating the corydoras.
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 73-77°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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