Compatibility brief
Can Cardinal Tetra live with Tiger Barb?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Cardinal Tetra + Tiger Barb: Caution advised. Tiger barbs nip when under-grouped, and a cardinal school in a community tank can become the target. A proper barb school of eight in a planted 100L sometimes works; smaller or mixed setups do not. Outcomes still depend on your tank shape, maintenance routine, and individual fish.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
80L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 80L (larger active fish often want more length).
Temperament gap (peaceful vs semi-aggressive) — can work with space, structure, and careful observation, but not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Caution advised
Top issueTiger barbs nip when under-grouped, and a cardinal school in a community tank can become the target. A proper barb school of eight in a planted 100L sometimes works; smaller or mixed setups do not.
Temperament difference
Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive, while Cardinal Tetra is peaceful. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Tiger barbs nip when under-grouped, and a cardinal school in…”
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.
- •Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →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.
- →Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Paracheirodon axelrodi
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Paracheirodon axelrodi
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Paracheirodon axelrodi
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Wikipedia. Paracheirodon axelrodi (cardinal tetra)
Encyclopaedia overview; use specialist aquarium sources for your stock's real temperature/pH/footprint needs.
- Seriously Fish. Puntigrus tetrazona
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Puntigrus tetrazona
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Puntigrus tetrazona
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Cardinal Tetra + Tiger Barb
Plan further
Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. 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. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.