Can Cardinal Tetra live with Pom Pom Crab?
Light caution
Why
- Pom Pom Crab can grab Cardinal Tetra while it sleeps — only fast mid/top-water fish are reasonably safe.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7–7.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–6 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–81°F and pH 7–7 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Tetra | Pom Pom Crab | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 7–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 6–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 15 gallons.
How to make it work
- Only combine with fast, mid/top-water fish and give the tankmates plenty of escape routes.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
Where to buy
- Cardinal Tetra: buy at The Shrimp Farm · The Shrimp Farm 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.
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Cardinal Tetra, Pom Pom Crab →Everything compatible with Cardinal Tetra · …with Pom Pom Crab