Aqua Tools

Compatibility check

Can Cardinal tetra and Otocinclus live together?

Cardinal tetra and Otocinclus may work, but the rule check found conditions that need careful planning.

caution

Quick answer

Recommended minimum tank for this pair: 20 US gal / 76 L. Keep Cardinal tetra at 6+ and Otocinclus at 6+ where those group sizes are greater than one.

Factor breakdown

Factor Result Explanation
Water type OK Cardinal tetra is freshwater; Otocinclus is freshwater. Compatibility pages are generated only for matching water types.
Temperature OK Temperature overlaps at 24-26 C. Cardinal tetra is listed at 24-29 C; Otocinclus is listed at 22-26 C.
pH OK pH overlaps at 6-7. Cardinal tetra is listed at 4.5-7; Otocinclus is listed at 6-7.5.
Hardness OK Hardness overlaps at 2-8 dGH. Cardinal tetra is listed at 1-8 dGH; Otocinclus is listed at 2-12 dGH.
Adult size and predation OK Adult sizes are not an obvious predator-prey mismatch (Cardinal tetra: 5 cm; Otocinclus: 5 cm).
Temperament and aggression OK Cardinal tetra (peaceful schooling) and Otocinclus (peaceful algae grazer) do not have an obvious aggression clash in the dataset.
Fin nipping risk OK The dataset does not flag this pair as a fin-nipper plus long-finned combination.
Schooling and group needs Caution Plan around full groups, not single display fish. Minimum group sizes: Cardinal tetra: 6+; Otocinclus: 6+.
Explicit avoid tags OK No explicit avoid-tag conflict was found between these two records.
Minimum combined tank size OK Use at least 20 US gallons (76 L) for the pair, based on the larger minimum tank plus bioload and activity adjustments where relevant.

Species profiles

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Sources and attribution

Source links are verification references for taxonomy and identifiers. Care values are AI-generated from common hobby consensus and need expert review.