Can Cardinal Tetra and Pearlscale Goldfish live together?

Cardinal Tetra and Pearlscale Goldfish 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 Pearlscale Goldfish

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Pearlscale Goldfish

Carassius auratus var. pearlscale

Verdict:Not compatible

Side-by-side specs

Tetras

Family

Goldfish

2″

Adult size

6″

20gal

Min tank

30gal

73–81°F

Temperature

65–75°F

4.5–7

6.5–8

peaceful

Temperament

peaceful

Schooling

Solitary

mid

Water level

mid

Compatibility notes

warnCardinal Tetra and Pearlscale Goldfish only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 73–75°F.
criticalPearlscale Goldfish produces heavy waste and needs cool water — Cardinal Tetra won't tolerate sharing a tank.

Try both in the builder →Compare different species