Can Cardinal Tetra and Zebra Pleco live together?

Cardinal Tetra and Zebra Pleco 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 Zebra Pleco

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Zebra Pleco

Hypancistrus zebra

Verdict:Possible with care

Side-by-side specs

Tetras

Family

Plecos

2″

Adult size

3.5″

20gal

Min tank

30gal

73–81°F

Temperature

78–86°F

4.5–7

6–7.4

peaceful

Temperament

peaceful

Schooling

Solitary

mid

Water level

bottom

Compatibility notes

warnCardinal Tetra and Zebra Pleco only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 78–81°F.

Try both in the builder →Compare different species