Can Cardinal tetra live with Endler's livebearer?

Temperature. Cardinal tetra does best at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and Endler's livebearer at 24–30 °C (75–86 °F). They share 24–27 °C.

Water. In the wild they come from different water (pH 4.6–6 vs 7–8.5). Captive-bred fish often adapt; a stable pH matters more than an exact number.

Temperament and size. Cardinal tetra is peaceful and grows to 3.5 cm; Endler's livebearer is peaceful and grows to 2.5 cm. Cardinal tetra swims at the mid and Endler's livebearer at the top, which spreads them out.

Tank size and groups. Plan on at least 20 US gallons, the larger of the two cautious minimums. Keep Cardinal tetra in a group of 8+. Keep Endler's livebearer in a group of 3+. A starter mix of 8 Cardinal tetra and 3 Endler's livebearer in 20 gallons uses about 40% of the tank’s bioload capacity under our rules and grades A.

Keeping them together

• Feeding: both feed in open water. Feed small amounts two or three times a day so the slower eater gets its share.
• Aquascape: both are calmer with cover. Plants and floating cover make shy fish come out more, not less.
• Group size: a full group is not optional. A schooling fish kept in too small a group is stressed and more likely to nip or hide.
• Adding them: add the calmer species first and let it settle for a week or two before adding the other, and only once your tank has cycled.

Better matches for Cardinal tetra

These pass every rule with Cardinal tetra: Bronze corydoras · Cherry barb · Chili rasbora · Ember tetra · Harlequin rasbora · Honey gourami · Neon tetra · Panda corydoras.

Open this pair in the checker Add your other fish to grade the whole tank.

Quick facts

Data from the Species Ledger, checked November 9, 2026, with at least two sources per species. Cautious community guidelines, not guarantees: individual fish vary. Not veterinary advice. Disagree? Tell us.