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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Apistogramma Macmasteri live with Cardinal Tetra?

Apistogramma Macmasteri

Apistogramma Macmasteri

Apistogramma macmasteri

semi-aggressive~7cm
Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

peaceful~5cm
VerdictCAUTION

Caution. Check the issues below before buying.

Apistogramma Macmasteri + Cardinal Tetra: Caution advised. Same biotope pairing as the borellii. Macmasteri runs a touch warmer (24 to 29 C) which fits the cardinal range; the cardinals act as dither and the apisto pair holds its cave territory. Outcomes still depend on your tank shape, maintenance routine, and individual fish.

Compatibility score

72/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

100L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 100L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C24–27°C shared
Apistogramma MacmasteriCardinal TetraShared window
pH
Range5.5–7 shared
Apistogramma MacmasteriCardinal TetraShared window
Temperament / behaviour

Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs peaceful) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.

Assessment details

  1. Caution advised

    Top issue

    Same biotope pairing as the borellii. Macmasteri runs a touch warmer (24 to 29 C) which fits the cardinal range; the cardinals act as dither and the apisto pair holds its cave territory.

  2. Temperament difference

    Apistogramma Macmasteri is semi-aggressive, while Cardinal Tetra is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

“Same biotope pairing as the borellii”

Caution advised

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Cardinal Tetra can escape if harassed.
  • •Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Apistogramma Macmasteri + Cardinal Tetra

Compare another pairOpen tank builder

Plan further

Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.

Full tank-mate guides

Related pair checks

Apistogramma Macmasteri + Cardinal Tetra — common questions

Can Apistogramma Macmasteri live with Cardinal Tetra?
Yes, if you plan for it. The verdict is CAUTION, which means the pairing works when specific conditions are met, not by default. The first condition: Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Cardinal Tetra can escape if harassed.
What tank size do you need for Apistogramma Macmasteri and Cardinal Tetra together?
Plan around 100 litres as the working minimum. That figure comes from each species' published minimum and their group needs, and it assumes adult sizes, not shop sizes.
What's the main risk?
Temperament difference. That is the first thing to plan around. The matching entry under assessment details on this page explains the reasoning and the numbers behind it.
What should you check before buying?
Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.