Can Cardinal Tetra live with Discus?
Caution — with care
Why
- Discus may eat Cardinal Tetra; add only full-grown adults, because juveniles and fry will be picked off.
- No overlapping temperature: Cardinal Tetra wants 73–81°F but Discus wants 82–88°F.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Tetra | Discus | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 82–88°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 5.5–7 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 1–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 8" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 55 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Add only full-grown adults — never juveniles, which will be eaten.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater → Chewy
Where to buy
- Cardinal Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Discus: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Cardinal Tetra · …with Discus