Skip to main content
Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Cardinal Tetra live with Dwarf Gourami?

Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

peaceful~5cm
Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gourami

Trichogaster lalius

peaceful~8cm
VerdictGOOD

Often a workable match in a suitable, well-run tank. Still verify behaviour in your setup.

In many setups, Cardinal Tetra and Dwarf Gourami are often kept together in a suitable peaceful community when temperature and pH are matched and the tank is sized for adults. Individual behaviour, filtration, and layout still decide whether it works in your home.

Compatibility score

100/100

Profile confidence: high

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

Min tank

60L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 60L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C24–27°C shared
Cardinal TetraDwarf GouramiShared window
pH
Range6–7 shared
Cardinal TetraDwarf GouramiShared window

Assessment details

  1. Compatible temperaments

    Both Cardinal Tetra and Dwarf Gourami share a peaceful temperament.

  2. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • •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 Cardinal Tetra + Dwarf Gourami

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

Other tank mates for Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra + Dwarf Gourami — common questions

Can Cardinal Tetra live with Dwarf Gourami?
Usually, yes. The pairing resolves GOOD in Fishori's checks for a tank of about 60 litres or more with the shared water windows shown on this page. Individual fish still vary, so watch the first weeks closely.
What tank size do you need for Cardinal Tetra and Dwarf Gourami together?
Plan around 60 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 should you check before buying?
Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.