Can Cardinal Tetra and Pea Puffer live together?

Cardinal Tetra and Pea Puffer are not compatible. 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 Pea Puffer

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Pea Puffer

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

Verdict:Not compatible

Side-by-side specs

Tetras

Family

Puffers

2″

Adult size

1.4″

20gal

Min tank

10gal

73–81°F

Temperature

74–82°F

4.5–7

6.5–7.5

peaceful

Temperament

aggressive

Schooling

Solitary

mid

Water level

mid

Compatibility notes

criticalCardinal Tetra + Pea Puffer: Pea puffers nip tetra fins until they're tattered.

Try both in the builder →Compare different species