Can Cardinal tetra live with White cloud mountain minnow?

Temperature. Cardinal tetra needs 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and White cloud mountain minnow needs 18–22 °C (64–72 °F). There is no temperature that suits both, so one of them is always stressed.

Water. Their pH ranges overlap at 6–6.

Temperament and size. Cardinal tetra is peaceful and grows to 3.5 cm; White cloud mountain minnow is peaceful and grows to 4 cm. Both use the mid of the tank, so give them room and cover.

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 White cloud mountain minnow in a group of 10+. A starter mix of 8 Cardinal tetra and 10 White cloud mountain minnow in 20 gallons uses about 83% of the tank’s bioload capacity under our rules and grades D.

If you already have both

• 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.