Can Cardinal Tetra live with Typhoon Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6 dGH.
- Typhoon Pleco is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Cardinal Tetra — give lots of space and cover.
- Large size gap (Cardinal Tetra 2" vs Typhoon Pleco 12") — the bigger fish may eat the smaller one as they grow.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–81°F and pH 6.5–7 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Tetra | Typhoon Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–84°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 6–7.5 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 12" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 125 gal |
Together, plan on at least 125 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
- Add only full-grown adults — never juveniles, which will be eaten.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Cardinal Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Typhoon Pleco: 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 Typhoon Pleco