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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Cardinal Tetra live with Marbled Hatchetfish?

Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

peaceful~5cm
Marbled Hatchetfish

Marbled Hatchetfish

Carnegiella strigata

peaceful~3.5cm
VerdictGOOD

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

Both Amazon soft-water species in different swim zones. Hatchets stay just below the surface, cardinals hold mid-water. Tannin-stained water brings out the colour of both. Success still depends on tank size, stable water, and the actual fish you buy.

Compatibility score

100/100

Profile confidence: medium

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 TetraMarbled HatchetfishShared window
pH
Range5.5–7 shared
Cardinal TetraMarbled HatchetfishShared window

Assessment details

  1. Known compatible pairing

    Both Amazon soft-water species in different swim zones. Hatchets stay just below the surface, cardinals hold mid-water. Tannin-stained water brings out the colour of both.

  2. Compatible temperaments

    Both Cardinal Tetra and Marbled Hatchetfish share a peaceful temperament.

  3. 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.
  • •Marbled Hatchetfish 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 + Marbled Hatchetfish

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: medium. Driven by the lower-confidence profile (Marbled Hatchetfish): Typical care sources — real tanks still vary.

Full tank-mate guides

Related pair checks

Other tank mates for Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra + Marbled Hatchetfish — common questions

Can Cardinal Tetra live with Marbled Hatchetfish?
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 Marbled Hatchetfish 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. Marbled Hatchetfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.