Can Cardinal Tetra live with Giant Gourami?
Not recommended
Why
- Giant Gourami’s mouth is big enough to swallow Cardinal Tetra (only 2" long) — it will be eaten.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 5–6 dGH.
- Giant Gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Cardinal Tetra — give lots of space and cover.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Tetra | Giant Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 6.5–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 5–19 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 24" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 200 gal |
Together, plan on at least 200 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Cardinal Tetra (to keep Giant Gourami):
- Angelfish — 6", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Blue Gourami — 6", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Gold Gourami — 6", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Giant Gourami (to keep Cardinal Tetra):
- Sparkling Gourami — 1.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Pygmy Cory — 1", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Sailfin Molly — 5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Cardinal Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Giant Gourami: 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 Giant Gourami