Can Cardinal Tetra and Hillstream Loach live together?

Cardinal Tetra and Hillstream Loach are possible with care. The comparison on this page runs the same compatibility engine as the tank builder, checking temperature and pH overlap, predation by size, temperament, and known hard-pair conflicts.

Species Comparison

Cardinal Tetra vs Hillstream Loach

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Hillstream Loach

Sewellia lineolata

Verdict:Possible with care

Side-by-side specs

Tetras

Family

Loaches

2″

Adult size

3″

20gal

Min tank

30gal

73–81°F

Temperature

68–75°F

4.5–7

6.5–7.5

peaceful

Temperament

peaceful

Schooling

mid

Water level

bottom

Compatibility notes

warnCardinal Tetra and Hillstream Loach only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 73–75°F.

Try both in the builder →Compare different species