Can Cardinal Tetra live with Yucatan Molly?
Caution — with care
Why
- Yucatan Molly may eat Cardinal Tetra; add only full-grown adults, because juveniles and fry will be picked off.
- No overlapping pH: Cardinal Tetra wants 5–7 but Yucatan Molly wants 7.5–8.5.
- No overlapping water hardness: Cardinal Tetra wants 1–6 dGH but Yucatan Molly wants 15–30 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Tetra | Yucatan Molly | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 15–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 6" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 40 gal |
Together, plan on at least 40 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: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Cardinal Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Yucatan Molly: 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 Yucatan Molly